You may have heard of medication therapy management or MTM, but what exactly is it? MTM is a service offered by pharmacists to help patients get the most out of their medications.
Patients participating in MTM receive personalized attention and care, including one-on-one counseling sessions, comprehensive medication reviews, and customized action plans.
In other words, MTM is like having a personal pharmacist on call!
And best of all, it’s covered by many insurance plans.
If you’re looking for additional information on MTM, you’ve come to the perfect spot!
Why Is Medication Management Therapy Needed?
As people get old (which is normal), they are more likely to have chronic health conditions that require multiple medications. In fact, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education, the average senior takes 4-5 prescription drugs per day.
With a personal medication record that is hard to keep track of, it’s no wonder that seniors are at risk for medication errors. A study by the Institute of Medicine found that adverse drug events (ADEs) are one of seniors’ leading causes of hospitalization.
Medication therapy review is explained to help patients avoid these sorts of issues.
By working with a pharmacist, patients can ensure they take their medications correctly and get the most out of them.
What Are the Benefits of Medication Therapy Management?
MTM can have several benefits for patients, including:
Improved Health Outcomes:
MTM has been shown to improve health outcomes in several studies. One study found that MTM services led to a 28% reduction in hospitalizations and a 26% reduction in emergency room visits.
Lower Healthcare Costs
In addition to improving health outcomes, MTM can help lower healthcare costs. One study found that MTM services saved Medicare $25 per patient annually.
Greater Medication Adherence
Medication adherence is a major issue in the United States. According to the World Health Organization, only 50% of patients with chronic diseases take their medications as prescribed.
However, MTM has been shown to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
One study found that patients who received MTM services were 2.5 times more likely to take their medications as prescribed.
Improved Quality Of Life
In addition to the physical benefits of MTM, patients also report improved quality of life.
One study found that patients who received MTM services significantly improved their quality of life scores.
What Does Medication Therapy Management entail?
MTM services are tailored to each patient but generally include:
Medication Reviews
During a comprehensive medication review, the pharmacist will review all your medications. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. The pharmacist will check for potential drug interactions and ensure you are taking your medications correctly.
Customized Action Plans
Based on the results of the medication review, the pharmacist will develop a customized action plan for you. This plan may (or may not) include changes to your medications, dosages, or how you take your medications.
One-On-One Counseling
One of the most critical aspects of MTM is the one-on-one counseling sessions with the pharmacist. These sessions allow you to ask questions and get personalized advice.
Follow-Up Services
Once you have started MTM, the pharmacist will provide follow-up services to ensure you are doing well. This may include additional medication reviews or counseling sessions.
How Do I Get Started with Medication Therapy Management?
If you’re interested in MTM services, the first step is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you determine if MTM is right for you and make a referral to a pharmacist who provides MTM services.
You can also come in and communicate with your insurance company to see if they cover MTM services. Some insurance companies may be in need of a referral from your doctor, while others allow you to make an appointment with a pharmacist directly.
If you’re not sure if your insurance company covers MTM, you can call the customer service number on your insurance card.
What Are the Potential Side Effects Of Medication Therapy Management?
The potential side effects of medication therapy management will vary depending on your medications and your health condition.
Some common side effects of medications include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
Coordinate with your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any of these side effects. They may be able to adjust your medications or dosages to help reduce the side effects.
FAQs: Medication Therapy Management
What Is Medication Therapy Management?
Medication therapy management services (MTM) is a collaborative approach to optimizing medication therapy, which includes prescribing medications, administering medication therapy monitoring and their effectiveness, and adjusting them when necessary to ensure that patients receive the best therapeutic outcomes. MTM services may be provided by pharmacists, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
What Are The Benefits Of MTM Services?
MTM services have improved medication adherence, reduced healthcare costs, and optimized therapeutic outcomes.
They can also help to ensure that patients are taking the correct medications and doses, which can help to prevent adverse drug events.
Who Is Eligible For MTM Services?
Most patients are eligible for assessing medication therapies, although specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the program.
Typically, patients who take multiple medications or have complex medical conditions are most likely to benefit from MTM services.
How Do I Find A Provider Of MTM Services?
You can ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a pharmacist or other healthcare professional who provides MTM services.
You can also search for these health care providers in your area through the American pharmacists association or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ MTM Provider Directory.
What Should I Expect During An MTM Visit?
Medication therapy management encompasses that the provider will review your medications and medical history, assess your risk for medication-related problems, and develop a plan to optimize your different medication therapies.
The provider may also recommend lifestyle changes or other interventions to improve your health.
Bottom Line
MTM services have many potential patient benefits, including improved medication adherence, reduced healthcare costs, and optimized therapeutic outcomes.
If you are taking multiple medications or have complex medical conditions, MTM may be right for you.
