Beneficiary, Caregiver, and Case Manager Perspectives on the Medication Therapy Management Program Standardized...

Plan sponsors of Medicare Part D must provide beneficiaries who receive a comprehensive medication review (CMR) with a written summary using the Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management Standardized Format (SF). The SF is a means to advance consistency in the CMR program by providing a template of expected content. However, barriers remain with beneficiary use and integration into existing electronic health records. The current study assessed Medicare beneficiary, caregiver, and case manager perceptions of the SF through five focus group interviews with a total of 23 participants. Qualitative analysis found that beneficiaries and case managers preferred a consolidated SF document to share and update their entire health care team. Beneficiaries suggested adding information to the SF on dosage, timing, drug interactions, cost, and less expensive alternatives. Identifying elements of the SF that are perceived as useful to beneficiaries will allow for a more streamlined SF that may enhance interoperability among the health care team. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(4), 7-13.].