Pharmacist-Led Annual Wellness Visits: A Review

Abstract

Objective: To summarize findings of pharmacist involvement with Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWV), including the number of pharmacist interventions, patient/provider satisfaction, and billing models. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect College Edition Journals Collection-Health and Life Sciences, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline, and Academic Search Complete, including dates between January 01, 2011, and November 05, 2018. Study Selection: Search was limited to full-text, peer-reviewed articles, published in English which were relevant based on identification of a pharmacist’s role in AWV. Search terms included “Medicare annual wellness visits” and “Pharmacists.” Data Extraction: A data extraction tool was used to collect study authors, year published, study design, description of intervention, objectives, primary outcome measures, model of care, clinic setting, location, results, number of patients, and overall effect. Results: Of the 139 returned citations, 11 met inclusion criteria. Of the practice settings, 7 (72.72%) utilized a collaborative practice agreement for conducting AWV. Six (54.54%) of the studies measured financial outcomes, 3 (27.27%) measured satisfaction of students/patients/physicians, 2 (18.18%) measured clinical outcomes, and finally 4 (36.36%) measured number and types of interventions. Review revealed that 6 (54.54%) articles had more medication-related interventions than nonmedication-related interventions. Studies evaluating finances as it relates to AWVs had various findings including 38% return on investment, higher reimbursement for pharmacist-led visits, and an increase in revenue. Conclusion: In a variety of outpatient health centers, AWV were conducted by pharmacists, had a positive impact on patient care, and had high satisfaction rates between patients and physicians.

Medicare's annual wellness visit: 10 years of opportunities gained and lost

“…23 In some practices pharmacists provide AWVs. 24 In many medical practices, elements of the AWV are completed by the patient or a caregiver prior to the visit, using selfreported survey questionnaires. Medical assistants or other members of the care team may conduct specific required elements prior to the patient being seen by an eligible provider.…”

“…Medicare specifies that AWVs can be independently provided by a variety of licensed practitioners, including “a physician, qualified non‐physician practitioner, medical professional (including a health educator, registered dietitian, nutrition professional, or other licensed practitioner), or team of such medical professionals who are working under the direct supervision of a physician.” 23 In some practices pharmacists provide AWVs 24 . In many medical practices, elements of the AWV are completed by the patient or a caregiver prior to the visit, using self‐reported survey questionnaires.…”

Patient Satisfaction Regarding Compounded Pharmaceutical Products and Implications on Pharmaceutical Practice Management

“…This correlation can help to surpass many of the current milestones in the pharmaceutical field and could lead to a better relationship in the physicianpatient-pharmacist triangle. Data from literature shows that patients´ satisfaction with their treatments was linked with a higher success rate of treatment [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46]. Our results highlight that patients who trust their pharmacist are more likely to evaluate their treatment efficiency.…”

Return-On-Investment for Billable Pharmacist-Provided Services in the Primary Care Setting

“…Recent reviews also found that AWVs are a billable service that increased revenue. 17,21 Thus, AWVs, may be a starting point for billing in some practices. There are also opportunities to increase CCM billing for diabetes and other chronic conditions.…”