Medication assessment in chronic drug use
What is a medication review?
A medication review is a comprehensive conversation about and examination of your medication use. We also call it "medication review. We look at all your prescribed medicines, self-care products and dietary supplements. This way we make sure that everything is properly coordinated and that there are no unwanted interactions. As a result, your medications work as effectively as possible, with the fewest possible side effects. This is only reimbursed if there is a medical or pharmaceutical need.
"Ms. Van der Vlist was taking five medications, including enalapril. During the medication review, it was found that she suffered from chronic itchy cough and poor sleep. Therefore, enalapril was replaced with an alternative, as itchy cough is a known side effect. This adjustment improved her symptoms and allowed her to sleep better again."
Why is a medication assessment important?
With long-term medication use, changes in your health or medication may occur that require a new approach. A medication review helps to:
- Decrease side effects: By recognizing and discussing possible side effects, we can suggest adjustments that reduce your symptoms.
- Preventing side effects: We check that your medicines work well together and that there are no dangerous combinations.
- Improve effectiveness: We make sure you're taking the right medications at the right doses so you get the best results.
- Preventing new symptoms: By regularly evaluating your medication use, we can identify and address problems early.
How does a medication review work?
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Make an appointment: Make an appointment at your pharmacy for a medication review.
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Preparation: Bring all your medications, self-care products and supplements with you to the appointment, including a list of what you use daily.
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The Interview: During the appointment, you and the pharmacist will discuss your current state of health, how you are feeling, and whether you have any complaints or questions about your medication use.
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Analysis: The pharmacist reviews your medication use and looks at possible areas for improvement and discusses this with your doctor.
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Tailored advice: You will receive personalized advice on possible adjustments to your medication use and tips to improve your treatment.
For whom is a medication assessment appropriate?
A medication assessment is especially useful for:
- People who take multiple, often more than five different medications.
- Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
- Everyone who experiences side effects or has concerns about their medication use.
Please note: Health insurers may have specific requirements for eligibility for reimbursement.
Cooperation with your GP is crucial
A good medication review is not something we do alone. Our collaboration with your primary care physician is essential. Together we assess your medication use so that you always receive the best possible care. In this way, we ensure that your treatment is safe, effective and optimally tailored to your health situation. Your health comes first, and we achieve this best by working closely with all the caregivers involved.
When may the pharmacy bill "this act"?
The pharmacy may bill for this "performance" if the pharmacy performed the activities listed below, among others.
In order to claim this benefit, the following activities must have been performed at a minimum:
- Using a structured questionnaire, your current use of medication was discussed with you (and/or your caregiver), any problems associated with it, your experiences, concerns, expectations and beliefs about medication (Pharmacotherapy history).
- The data collected were organized and what information was missing was determined. A structured method was then used to identify potential medication problems (FTPs) (Pharmacotherapeutic Analysis).
- Your physician and pharmacist together create a treatment plan, including treatment goals, priorities and actions to be taken.
- The revised medication treatment plan has been discussed with you (and/or your caregiver). The plan has been modified as needed based on your response (pharmacotherapy treatment plan).
- In consultation between your pharmacist and physician, arrangements have been made for monitoring and evaluation of the agreed upon actions in the treatment plan. The evaluation with you (and/or your caregiver) takes place shortly after the adjustments (follow-up and monitoring).
- The recording of the medication review, the final medication treatment plan and the evaluation of the agreed actions are recorded in the digital patient record.
The average cost of a medication review is: €75 -125. Some insurers exclude the medication review from the deductible.
Please note that health insurers may have specific requirements for reimbursement.
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