Expanding a pharmacy’s patient services: a pharmacist’s perspective on offering flu and strep testing

Our world in healthcare is changing and the standard of pharmacy care is evolving. What used to be considered a practice of interpreting, dispensing and counseling on medication, is now becoming a practice of direct patient-care services. This has a significant implication for retail pharmacy – as consumers expand their clinical care beyond the physician office, they will rely on quality and convenient care close to home.

“Pharmacies offering more patient care services helps further establish the pharmacist as a healthcare provider in the minds of patients and consumers,” noted Brad Tice, RPh, PharmD, director of product strategy for adherence and wellness measures at Cardinal Health. “This will help elevate the role of the pharmacist and provide more business opportunities.”

Patients have also become more consumer-minded and are seeking the same easy access for their medical care as they expect in other industries. Retail pharmacies are now challenged with offering fast and convenient patient-care services, which encourages pharmacists to expand their clinical knowledge and expertise. One particular area of growth: flu and strep testing in retail pharmacy.

The Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988?(CLIA) revised federal and state regulations concerning certification and oversight of clinical laboratory testing. One important change allowed pharmacies to apply for a CLIA waiver, which gives the ability to perform routine tests on-site, such as flu and strep testing. Additional abilities afforded by collaborative practice agreements allow some pharmacists to follow up on results with prescribed treatments.

“New regulations are allowing pharmacists to expand what they can do to help people get better, faster,” said Brad Tice, RPh, PharmD. “We must adapt with the needs of the healthcare community and continue to expand our profession.”