Pharmacy Daily | Home Medicines Reviews under the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement

Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) continue to be funded under the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement. Future changes to the HMR referral pathway may include: • Improved targeting. The proposed Medicines Use Review Program aims to complement HMRs, which may mean that some patients eligible for HMRs may be better suited to receive the new service. • Improved access. Patients who have been recently discharged from hospital and are deemed to be at risk may have improved access to a HMR that is provided within a short period of time. • Direct referral. The Fifth Agreement may allow the opportunity for a GP to send the HMR referral directly to an accredited pharmacist of the patient’s choice. Pharmacists and general practitioners are advised that they must continue providing the HMR service to their patients in the usual manner ensuring the community pharmacy receives the referral from the general practitioner. A GP cannot directly refer a patient to an accredited pharmacist until proposed changes have been finalised and implemented. The proposed changes and timeframes are currently under negotiation. Modifications to the new HMR referral pathways will be communicated to pharmacists and doctors through the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. To access current Medicare Forms please visit: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ provider/pbs/fifth-agreement/ home-medicines-review.jsp For further information: HMR Program Manager on 02 6270 1888.

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