Improving Medication Adherence in an ACO Primary Care Office With a Pharmacist-Led Clinic: A Report From the ACORN...

As health care moves into the era of value-based medicine, both ambulatory and acute settings are being held accountable for the quality of care provided to patients. Previous studies have shown improved clinical outcomes through medication therapy management (MTM) due to improved medication adherence.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a pharmacist-led MTM clinic in an accountable care organization (ACO) affiliated primary care office on adherence to renin-angiotensin system (RAS) antagonists, diabetic medications, and/or statin medications reported through Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Medicare Star Ratings.

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected via chart review of pharmacist-led MTM patient interviews and follow-ups between October 2015 and April 2017. Eligible patients were Humana HMO Medicare beneficiaries, with at least one chronic disease state, for which they were treated with a RAS antagonist, statin, or diabetic medication. The primary outcome of this investigation was a change in Star Rating scores for medication adherence to RAS antagonists, diabetic medications, and statins from pre- and postpharmacist MTM intervention.

A total of 102 patients were referred to the MTM clinic. Out of these, 32 had a follow-up visit, resulting in a total of 25 interventions. One year prior to MTM clinic implementation, most Star Ratings were consistently 3 (out of 5) for RAS antagonists, diabetic medications, and statins. Postintervention, ratings increased to 4 or 5 across these categories. Conclusion: Implementing a pharmacist-led MTM clinic in the ACO primary care setting improves Medicare Star Ratings in patients with chronic conditions.