Benzer begins offering collaborative practice agreements

TAMPA, Fla. — Benzer Pharmacy on Wednesday announced that it would be partnering with physicians to provide additional clinical services under collaborative practice agreements. Among the services Benzer can provide under such agreements is chronic care management, transitional care management and intensive behavior therapy for weight management counseling, among others, Benzer said.

The pharmacy chain highlighted the collaborative practice agreement as a way for physicians to take part in new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services alternative payment models that allow physicians to be reimbursed for services that pharmacies can help them provide.

Under a collaborative practice agreement, Benzer said that the pharmacist could help care for the patient in such specifically outlined ways as ordering lab tests, providing patient education and making medication therapy suggestions.

“No other retail pharmacies in the area are providing these types of collaborative services, making Benzer Pharmacy a pioneer in clinical innovation and pharmacy practice advancement.” Benzer Pharmacy chief clinical officer Lindsay Wall said, adding that pharmacists in an agreement wouldn’t change, initiate or discontinue any therapy without physicians’ approval.

“This allows for building trust and collaboration within the healthcare teams caring for common patients,” Wall said.