A well designed computer system is essential for getting reimbursed for pharmaceutical care. It can help provide the services that will be reimbursed in ways many practitioners have not yet explored. The pharmacy computer vendors in this country frequently lament how under-utilized their systems are. However, many features are useful and do get ignored. As a result, the patient's care suffers and revenue opportunities are lost.
National leadership is what is needed.
The profession of pharmacy must provide a consistent level of pharmaceutical care that meets patients needs. This provision of care must be documented to present evidence of the activity. Each practitioner must provide pharmaceutical care at or above a minimal standard of performance so that third parties will trust that they are getting what they pay for. Pharmacy computer systems will be especially helpful in this need for consistency. Pharmacists will need to have computer assistance to assess drug-related patient problems.