Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacist-GP storm

The American Medical Association (AMA) has passed a resolution aimed at curbing “inappropriate inquiries from pharmacies to verify the medical rationale behind prescriptions, diagnoses and treatment plans”. The AMA said such queries from pharmacists are “an interference with the practice of medicine and unwarranted.” If the issue is not resolved, the peak doctors’ group said it would “advocate for legislative and regulatory solutions to prohibit pharmacies and pharmacists from denying medically necessary and legitimate therapeutic treatments to patients.” Pharmacists have responded, saying they aren’t trying to intrude on doctors’ practice, but are dealing with higher levels of scrutiny from the Drug Enforcement Administration which has been investigating pharmacy chains for possibly over-dispensing of controlled substances. Pharmacy giant Walgreens has a policy of requiring its pharmacists to request detailed information before filling certain restricted medications.

---

The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 09 Aug 13
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 09 Aug 13