Expert Discusses How Clinical Pharmacists Improve Diabetes Care | ADA 2025

Nathan Ramsbacher, PharmD, clinical assistant professor of pharmacotherapy at Washington State University, highlights the critical role of clinical pharmacists in improving medication access and health care outcomes, particularly for patients with diabetes. Ramsbacher emphasizes that one of the most significant barriers to clinical quality is patients' inability to access crucial medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are top recommendations in diabetes management guidelines.

To address this challenge, the clinical team implemented a comprehensive medication access strategy centered on manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs. These programs can cover up to 100% of medication costs for eligible patients, particularly those with Medicare. The pharmacist worked closely with the medical assistant team to coordinate medication dispensing, ensure proper insurance formulary utilization, and expedite prior authorizations.

Ramsbacher advocates for integrating clinical pharmacists directly into primary care clinics, arguing that they are essential for navigating medication access, managing chronic diseases, and providing drug information education. He is optimistic about the future, seeing continued expansion of pharmacy services and increased recognition of pharmacists as integral members of health care teams.

"We've seen that there's an absolute need for clinical pharmacists to be on the same level and embedded within our primary care clinics," Ramsbacher said. "It isn't surprising that health care providers want pharmacists on their direct teams, and pharmacists want to be on those teams as well."

Read more from our coverage of the ADA’s 85th Scientific Sessions.

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