APhA unveils MTM training tools
WASHINGTON The American Pharmacists Association has unveiled two guidebooks to help pharmacists steer through the maze of medication therapy management.
New from APhA’s publishing arm are The Pharmacist’s Guide to Compensation for Medication Therapy Management Services and 100 MTM Tips for the Pharmacist. Both books are designed to help pharmacists in diverse practice settings implement and bill for MTM services.
Key topics covered in The Pharmacist’s Guide include:
• Educating payers about MTM services
• Identifying the needs of managed care and private health plans for MTM services, designing programs to meet those needs, and recruiting eligible plan members
• Acquiring the new skills and knowledge pharmacists may need to provide MTM services
• The AMA CPT coding system and its application to pharmacist reporting and billing
• The crucial role of documentation in the success of MTM services
• Health care fraud and tips for preventing fraudulent practices in the pharmacy
The book was edited by Michael Hogue, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama; and Benjamin Bluml, vice president of research for the APhA Foundation. Sixteen authors who are well known on the subject of MTM services contributed to the volume’s 10 chapters.
100 MTM Tips for the Pharmacist, a pocket-sized collection of practical advice about professional and patient care skills related to MTM, features concise, easy-to-use MTM tips from practicing and retired pharmacists, educators and consumers. The tips are organized in categories relevant to MTM services, such as physician–pharmacist collaborative relationships; payment, billing and reconciliation; and identifying, monitoring, and educating patients. Marsha Millonig, president and CEO of Catalyst Enterprises, edited the book.