Pharmacy's role in the evolving health care system: quality, cost but mostly access

Access to pharmacy services represents one of the key elements in the operation of our health care delivery system. Major conceptual aspects of access are outlined. Two issues related to the supply side of our basic economic equation, product availability and pharmacy resources, are discussed. A model for obtaining comprehensive manpower data to support educational, professional and public policy needs is also proposed. In order to appraise the demand for pharmaceutical products and professional services, data on Medicaid drug expenditures is reviewed and perplexing questions regarding use characteristics are treated.