A Population Management Strategy: Primary Care Pharmacy Services for the Complex Patient

L. David Harlow, III, BS, Pharm D, Assistant VP for Professional Services Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Laboratory and Disease Management, Martin Health System. Dr. Harlow defines the significance of pharmacy services embedded in primary care that focuses strategically on Complex Multi-Comorbid patients with a history of therapeutic failure. This service leverages pharmacist talent in the context of team-based care to improve outcomes in specific patient segments that have historically been exceedingly problematic to address. The 5% of the population these patients represent account for up to 50% of all healthcare spending. The ability of healthcare teams to address the very specific needs of these individuals is very likely to define the success or failure of this nation’s healthcare reform initiatives.