How Highmark’s pharmacists are teaming with primary care docs for better medication management

Highmark’s population health pharmacy and its health analytics team are working together to boost medication management for people with diabetes. The new initiative looks to avoid adverse drug events and boost adherence for diabetes patients enrolled in the insurers’ True Performance value-based care program. Once the analytics teams flag potential medications that can be adjusted or discontinued, Highmark pharmacists will work directly with primary care providers to share the latest clinical guidance on those drugs. Kelsey Moss, a population health pharmacist for Highmark Health, noted that many primary care providers lack the resources to conduct such reviews themselves. She said that so far, providers have accepted the advice in 70% of cases and discontinued the medications as suggested. The savings opportunities for improving medication management are substantial, Highmark said, and it may take its data-driven program beyond diabetes in the future.