Eleven years of experience with capitation reimbursement for pharmacy services

Pharmacy services encompass more than dispensing medications. However, traditional pharmacy reimbursement methods are based heavily on the dispensing of medications--i.e., on selling a commodity rather than providing a service. The capitation reimbursement method described provides the pharmacist with a means of reimbursement for professional services independent of the number of medications consumed by the patient. The pharmacist is thus free to encourage reductions in the consumption of medications without incurring an economic penalty. Such reductions are not only of potential benefit to the patient but can also reduce the workload of the nursing home staff. The feasibility of this capitation system is demonstrated by the successful pharmacy practice described.