Pharmacists Emerge as Access Points for Patient Care in Evolving Health Care Industry

In an era of evolving health care delivery, community pharmacies are emerging as critical access points for patient care, with point-of-care testing (POCT) positioned to revolutionize pharmacy services. In a Pharmacist View video program, Duane Jones, BSPharm, regional pharmacy supervisor and clinical program director at Harps Food Stores, discussed the pharmacist’s role in POCT.

With more than half of the population struggling to access medical care, community pharmacies are emerging as unexpected heroes in the health care delivery system. | Image Credit: littlewolf1989 - stock.adobe.com

“We are the only profession that can see everything, all the prescriptions that people have, and how we deal with those patients and relationships we have with them,” Jones said in the program. “We can actually close those care gaps by creating a point-of-care testing program in your pharmacies. It will offer you that destination point.”

The Health Care Access Challenge

The current health care landscape presents a critical challenge that demands innovative solutions. With more than half of the population struggling to access adequate medical care, community pharmacies are emerging as unexpected heroes in the health care delivery system. These local health care hubs serve patients an average of 33 times annually compared with physicians at 3 visits annually, positioning pharmacists among the most accessible health care providers.

The geographical disparities in health care access are particularly stark in rural and urban health care deserts. In many communities, pharmacies are the sole health care touchpoint, bridging critical gaps in medical service delivery.

“There are so many people in need today, not just in rural America, but also in urban areas, just navigating to get through crowds and very densely populated areas,” Jones said. “There are health care deserts, but there are pharmacies there, and even with our pharmacies, we’re in some towns where we’re the only pharmacy in town, and oftentimes, we’re the only health care provider in town.”

Traditionally, concerns existed about POCT potentially disrupting physician-pharmacist relationships. However, emerging evidence suggests a more collaborative approach, with pharmacists becoming critical partners in comprehensive patient care. By providing immediate testing and treatment, pharmacies can fill crucial health care gaps, especially in these areas with limited medical access.

Health care providers increasingly recognize pharmacies as valuable partners in comprehensive care delivery. Jones highlighted case studies where pharmacies provide critical services, such as rapid testing and treatment, complementing rather than competing with traditional medical practices. This approach transforms pharmacists from medication dispensers to integral health care providers.

Technological, Operational, and Marketing Considerations

Effective POCT implementation demands strategic technological and operational planning. Pharmacies must integrate existing pharmacy management systems, develop efficient billing processes, create staff training templates, and leverage technology to streamline services. This technological evolution requires a strategic approach that balances innovation with practical implementation. Modern POCT capabilities have expanded dramatically, encompassing a wide range of diagnostic services. From COVID-19 testing and flu screenings to hemoglobin A1C monitoring and cholesterol testing, pharmacies can offer a comprehensive suite of diagnostic services.

Successful implementation requires strategic marketing approaches. Pharmacies are developing informational brochures, utilizing social media platforms, creating targeted bag-stuffer campaigns, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. Research indicated that point-of-care testing patients typically are aged 18 to 44 years, with approximately one-third lacking primary care physicians. According to Jones, this represents a significant opportunity for pharmacies to attract and retain new patient populations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is driving a fundamental shift toward value-based care by 2030, positioning pharmacies as crucial health care partners. The financial implications extend beyond immediate revenue generation. By positioning themselves as comprehensive health care providers, pharmacies can develop long-term relationships with patients and insurance providers. The ability to offer immediate, accessible testing and treatment represents a significant value proposition in an increasingly complex health care ecosystem.

Economic Drivers and Revenue Potential

The financial landscape of pharmacy services is undergoing a significant transformation, with POCT emerging as a potentially game-changing revenue stream. Traditional pharmacy models have struggled with thin profit margins, typically around 2% per prescription, according to Jones. POCT offers a compelling alternative, with pharmacies able to charge approximately $90 per screening test, equivalent to the revenue generated from filling approximately 90 prescriptions.

“To make that same $90, you’re going to have to fill 90 prescriptions,” Jones said. “Now, if I can spend 15 to 20 minutes and do a point-of-care test for a patient, make a difference in their life, actually get positive feedback, and make that money, I would rather do that than try to fill 90 prescriptions in 15 to 20 minutes.”

This economic model represents more than just a financial opportunity; it is a fundamental reimagining of pharmacy’s value proposition. By diversifying services beyond medication dispensing, pharmacies can create more meaningful patient interactions while addressing their own economic sustainability. The potential for POCT to exceed immunization revenues signals a profound shift in how pharmacies can generate revenue and provide value to their communities.

We are the only profession that can see everything, all the prescriptions that people have, and how we deal with those patients and the relationship we have with them. — Duane Jones, BSPharm

Implementation and Potential Challenges

“When we started our point-of-care testing in Arkansas, the law was silent, so it didn’t say whether we could or could not do point-of-care testing,” Jones said. Now, 48 states allow pharmacists to perform POCT, with critical requirements including obtaining a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment waiver, checking local regulatory requirements, and developing comprehensive testing protocols. Successful implementation requires a holistic approach to pharmacy operations, including staff training, workflow optimization, and technological integration. Pharmacies must invest in creating robust systems that seamlessly incorporate POCT into their existing service models, ensuring regulatory adherence and operational efficiency.

Pharmacies must navigate several challenges, including overcoming initial resistance to change, learning complex medical billing processes, investing in staff training, and developing efficient workflow models. Successful implementation requires proactive legislative engagement, including collaborating with state pharmacy associations, building relationships with local legislators, and demonstrating the value of expanded pharmacy services. This advocacy is crucial in creating a supportive regulatory environment that enables pharmacies to fully realize their potential as comprehensive health care providers.

Conclusion

Pharmacies considering POCT should carefully assess their capabilities, research local regulations, develop comprehensive staff training programs, explore testing options, begin credentialing processes, and create strategic implementation plans. POCT offers community pharmacies a transformative pathway to improve patient care, generate new revenue, expand clinical services, and establish themselves as essential health care providers.

As health care evolves, pharmacies that embrace innovation, invest in staff development, and prioritize patient access will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly complex medical landscape. The future of pharmacy is not just about dispensing medications but about becoming an integral, accessible, and proactive health care partner for communities nationwide.

“The future of pharmacy is not just about dispensing medications, but about becoming an integral, accessible, and proactive health care partner for communities across the nation,” Jones said.

To read these stories and more, download the PDF of the Drug Topics July/August issue here.

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