Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is used to describe several clinical
services provided to patients by the healthcare team’s medication
expert, the pharmacist.
Services that are considered part of MTM include:
Anticoagulation monitoring
Disease state specific patient consultations: pain management, diabetes,
asthma and more
Med-synch programs to increase adherence
Pharmacist interventions for safety: dose recommendations, drug interactions
detected etc.
A pharmacist meets via phone or face-to-face with the patient and thoroughly
reviews their entire medication profile including over the counter medications
and supplements. During this review, the patient’s understanding
of their medication(s) is assessed, as well as adherence issues and potential
medication problems. Follow-up communication between the pharmacist, the
provider and patient will address any issues while increasing patient
safety, understanding and adherence.
Target Medication Review (TMR)
A patient’s insurance provider will note one specific issue such
as late refills, unsafe medications or gap in therapy. The plan tasks
the pharmacist to validate the issue and work with the patient and provider
to correct it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a need for MTM?
Experts estimate 1.5 million preventable adverse events occur each year
that result in $177 billion in injury and death. (provided by the American
Pharmacist’s Association APhA)
Where do patients receive MTM services?
In all care settings where patients use medications. CMR and TMR are most
often delivered by the patient’s outpatient retail pharmacist.
Which patients benefit from MTM services?
Any patient using medication or over the counter medications/supplements
can benefit. Especially our patients with multiple chronic disease states,
medications that require special monitoring (specialty medications or
anticoagulants), patients using many medications possibly from multiple
pharmacies or patients recently discharged from the hospital.
Does the patient pay for these services?
CMS established in 2003 that all Medicare Part D plans must provide patients
with MTM services including at least an annual CMR. Each plan has differences
in what services are offered. There is no copay for these services.
Most commercial plans and State Medicaid offer a variety of MTM services
at no additional cost and services are typically covered in full.
Any patient can receive these services and would pay an established fee
if not covered by their insurance plan.
