Evaluating the economic impact of a targeted medication intervention program.

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for a targeted medication intervention program developed by corporate management of a community pharmacy.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis and cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Regional community pharmacy chain in North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS

Targeted medication interventions completed from February 1, 2010, to July 31, 2010, were included in the retrospective analysis. Community pharmacists employed by the pharmacy chain that completed the questionnaire were included in the cross-sectional analysis.

INTERVENTION

Targeted medication intervention services were provided to the patient and documented by the pharmacist.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The ROI for a community pharmacist-provided targeted medication intervention program.

RESULTS

Of the 180 pharmacists, 69 completed the questionnaire (38% response rate). The average time to complete one targeted medication intervention was calculated to be 22.63 minutes. The total cost for providing a targeted medication intervention program during the study time frame was $15 760.86. Total revenue was $15 216.00; therefore, the program resulted in an ROI to the pharmacy chain of negative 3%.

CONCLUSION

This 6-month study resulted in an ROI to the pharmacy chain of negative 3%. Under the current reimbursement model, for this program to break even, the average time to complete one targeted medication intervention must equal 21.85 minutes or less.