PharmacistCARE: description of a pharmacist care service and lessons learned along the way

To describe the PharmacistCARE program, an innovative pharmacy practice model implemented within a self-insured employer and to describe lessons learned by the authors in implementing and maintaining the program.

University of Kentucky (UK), March 2003 to present.

A free-standing pharmacist clinic located within an ambulatory care facility owned by UK HealthCare.

PharmacistCARE, a pharmacist-provided patient care service for UK Health Plan members that includes comprehensive disease and medication therapy management.

Various lessons learned by the authors during development, implementation, and maintenance of the program.

The program has been recognized by the university as a positive contribution to health plan service enhancement and cost savings and has documented enhanced patient care outcomes.

The PharmacistCARE program is a unique pharmacist-provided service delivered in a free-standing pharmacist clinic that enhances health outcomes for adult members in a self-insured employer group.