NACDS’ Anderson: Pharmacists can play larger role in primary care
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ president and CEO Steve Anderson on Monday published an op-ed in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel noting that the pharmacist’s role in primary care.
Anderson’s op-ed highlighted how pharmacists could be a boon for health care in states like Colorado, where patients are underinsured or uninsured and which has a large population of medically underserved patients — if Congress were to pass a bill giving pharmacists provider status. Specifically, he advocated passage of the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act that is currently being considered by Congress.
“If enacted, this bill would allow pharmacists to serve more patients, giving patients additional outlets for quality, affordable health care,” Anderson wrote. “There is also evidence to suggest that a change in provider status policy for pharmacists in Medicare could have a strong impact on private sector health plans and how they view pharmacists as well.”
To read the entire op-ed, click here.