IHS pharmacists are taught to screen the patients' charts for the appropriateness of therapy, allowing interventions to be performed prior to implementation of therapy. In some locations, pharmacists are credentialed to provide primary care, and utilize prescriptive authority in evaluating and managing the care of certain patients. All patients are counseled via an interactive method in private consultation rooms on both new prescriptions and on refills. Pharmacists also participate in physician rounding, pharmacokinetic consultation, drug information, and discharge medication counseling. None currently, but are working on a method of reimbursement for cognitive services.
All information is documented in the patients' charts.
IHS Pharmacy Practice Training Program, a three day course in Phoenix, AZ which emphasizes training in chart screening, communication, conflict resolution, interaction with other professionals, patient education and consultation, and interviewing. A review of the most common disease states of Native Americans is also provided, Training is in a case study format which includes role playing and practice.