MAKING better use of pharmacists'skills
WITH community pharmacists now able to administer adult flu vaccinations in every State and Territory, it makes sense to level the playing field by providing pharmacies with access to the National Immunisation Program and relevant MBS items.
Consideration should also be given to allowing pharmacies to order basic pathology tests and, where appropriate, undertake basic point-of-care tests, enhancing access and saving patients (and the Government) money.
As medicines are the primary driver of e-health and it is also critical that the supply of PBS and other medicines and the provision of pharmacy services are fully integrated into the MyHealth Record.
The motivation behind calling for these reforms is not about extending pharmacists' scope of practice or seeking additional funding from the Federal Government.
Rather, it about removing illogical roadblocks so that the accessibility of community pharmacy and the medicines expertise of pharmacists can be fully utilised to enhance patient outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of the health system.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 Oct 16
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