Michigan health plan funds program to deploy office-based pharmacists.

Abstract

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) has taken a well-established program for providing clinical pharmacy services in patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and used it as the basis for a statewide initiative. “The real intent is to change the way that healthcare works in our state—where we transform the care not just for Blue Cross members but, potentially, for all people that live in the state of Michigan,” said Laurie Wesolowicz, director of pharmacy services for the health plan. The practice model was implemented in 2009 at the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) by Hae Mi Choe, director of pharmacy innovations and clinical practices for the health system. Choe said the model places pharmacists in already-established PCMH settings to help patients manage diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. She said published and unpublished data show that the pharmacists’ care has resulted in significant reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improved other indicators of care for patients with diabetes, such as statin use and regular examinations for peripheral neuropathy.