Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care(r) Names Kerr Drug 2007 National MTM Chain Provider of the Year
Released on: March 14, 2008, 11:27 am
Press Release Author: Alison Kramer
Industry: Healthcare
Press Release Summary: Leading local pharmacy chain wins accolades for giving personal attention to each customer
Press Release Body: Raleigh, N.C. - March 14, 2008- Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care recently named Kerr Drug, one of the leading pharmacy chains in North Carolina, a top chain pharmacy for medication therapy management (MTM). To be eligible, pharmacies must provide services through an Outcomes-administered MTM program. The purpose of MTM programs is to help ensure patients are appropriately taking their prescribed and over-the counter medications.
"We are honored by this recognition," says Lori Brown, PharmD, and Manager of Clinical Services for Kerr Drug. "It underscores our commitment to meaningful interaction between the pharmacist and patient, improved medication use, and enhanced patient safety."
MTM, which includes a collaborative relationship between patients, their pharmacist, and physicians/prescribers, promotes safer and more effective use of medicines and helps patients reach better outcomes through optimal medication use. MTM consists of a comprehensive medication review (CMR) between the patient and the pharmacist, in which the pharmacist reviews all the patient's medications to ensure a clear understanding of their purpose and proper use.
Kerr Drug is an active participant in an MTM program, ChecKmeds NC, launched in October 2007 by North Carolina Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue and supported by the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund. One of the purposes of ChecKmeds NC is to help ensure that patients take their prescribed and over-the counter medications appropriately. Since the program was launched in October, Kerr Drug pharmacists have conducted more than 2000 comprehensive medication reviews with patients in the program. ChecKmeds NC is available to any North Carolina senior who has a Medicare drug benefit, which makes it more widely available than other MTM programs.
"By far, the best aspect of providing MTM services is the patient response," says Brown. "It is amazing how much difference in quality of life a single comprehensive medication review can make."
*** About Kerr Drug Kerr Drug is one of the most recognized and respected names in the chain drug industry. With its roots in the Carolinas and headquarters in Raleigh, Kerr Drug is taking the vision of community pharmacy farther than any other drug chain. The company has placed its future on its unique ability to provide patients, the medical community, and health plan sponsors, access to the most comprehensive and convenient health and wellness offering in the industry. With a mission to be the most comprehensive provider of pharmacy and related health care services, while continuing to be the most reliable provider of health related and convenience items, Kerr is currently providing services that far exceed the traditional drug store mix. For more information visit: http://www.kerrdrug.com
About Outcomes Pharmaceutical Healthcare Outcomes Pharmaceutical Healthcare is the national leader in administration of MTM programs, which are comprised of a distinct set of services to optimize therapeutic outcomes for individual patients. For more information visit: http://www.getoutcomes.com/