Answering Your Most Common Questions about LTC@Home from RBC.
Written By: Lindsay Dymowski Constantino; President & Cofounder, Long Term Care at Home Pharmacy Network
The Cardinal RBC Conference was an exceptional platform that brought together pharmacy owners from across the nation, allowing us to network, share experiences, and learn from industry experts. The collective enthusiasm and dedication to providing outstanding patient care were evident throughout the event. The Long Term Care at Home Pharmacy Network's team is deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie among peers, knowing that we are all working together to make a positive impact on our communities.
The excitement at the conference was palpable, as innovative technologies, cutting-edge solutions, and patient-centered strategies were unveiled. These developments reinforce our commitment to constantly evolve and improve our services, staying ahead of the curve to meet the ever-changing needs of our pharmacy members.
Throughout the event, we engaged with numerous passionate individuals eager to explore the world of Long-Term Care at Home. We found that three questions consistently stood out as the most common inquiries:
1. What is Long-Term Care at Home Pharmacy?
Long-term care at home pharmacy, often referred to as medical-at-home or medications-at-home, is a comprehensive approach to providing pharmacy support to individuals who are chronically ill who would typically be in a care facility, but instead reside in the comfort of their own homes. This service is particularly beneficial for patients who prefer to age in place or require ongoing care for chronic conditions or disabilities. It encompasses a range of pharmacy services, including adherence packaging, delivery, care coordination, and other medication management services.
2. How can I get started in Long-Term Care at Home?
Getting started in long-term care at home requires planning and a commitment to quality pharmacy care. Here are some essential steps to help you begin your journey:
Conduct a Thorough Assessment: Evaluate the needs and preferences of your local community to identify the demand for enhanced pharmacy care services. Evaluate your pharmacy's population: are you currently serving LTC at Home patients? Educate yourself and your team on Long Term Care at Home Pharmacy.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Familiarize yourself with the relevant local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to LTC NPIs, CMS requirements, and @Home compliance procedures.
Develop a Business Plan: Outline your vision, mission, and goals for your long-term care at home pharmacy. Create a detailed business plan that addresses operational aspects, patient projections, and marketing strategies.
Connect with Qualified Healthcare Professionals: Build a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, caregivers, and therapists, who are involved with the at home population so you can easily access the patient population you want to support.
3. How do I know if I'm properly onboarding patients and documenting patient care?
Properly onboarding patients and documenting patient care is crucial for ensuring quality and continuity of care in LTC@H. Consider the following best practices:
Thorough Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of each patient's health status, medical history, and specific care needs.
Care Plan Development: Create individualized care plans that address the unique requirements of each patient, ensuring clear goals and objectives.
Regular Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with patients, caregivers, and providers to address concerns, track progress, and adjust care plans as needed.
Documentation: Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient qualifications, medication reviews, care coordination, transition of care, interactions, and any changes in health status.
Training and Education: Provide continuous training to your pharmacy team on proper documentation practices and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Embracing long-term care at home presents an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact on our communities and your pharmacy. If you are passionate about providing exceptional care, I encourage you to join the Long Term Care at Home Pharmacy Network. By becoming a part of this thriving community, you gain access to invaluable support, education, compliance documentation, and a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to elevating patient care.
Together, let's continue to innovate, elevate, and shape the future of pharmacy care for the better.