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Overview:
The Home Medicines Review (HMR) was introduced into the Medical Benefits Scheme in October 2001 to increase the appropriate use of medications and reduce the incidence of 'Medication Misadventures', thereby assisting in improving patient health outcomes.
The HMR is a consumer-focused, structured and collaborative health care service provided in the community setting to optimise consumer understanding and quality use of medicines. It involves the consumer, their general practitioner, their pharmacy, and other relevant members of the health care team.
If medicines aren’t used properly, or if the wrong ones are used together (including vitamins and complementary medicines), the results can be serious. Consumers who take more than five medicines a day, are confused or worried about their medicines, sometimes forget to take their medicines, see more than one GP or specialist, or have recently been in hospital, could benefit from a Home Medicines Review.
The GP generates a referral to the local pharmacy. A pharmacist conducts an interview, preferably in the consumer’s own home, and then writes a report back to the GP, who then discusses any recommendations with the consumer and may make appropriate changes to their medication regime.
Often the pharmacist may pick up on things in the home that the GP is not aware of, but should know about. For example, the patient may not be taking their medications properly, they may not be stored appropriately, or there may be over-the-counter medicines that should not be taken with the prescribed medicines. The pharmacist may also find that the patient is confused about their medications or forgets to take them.
The GP and pharmacist work together to help the patient to get the most positive health outcomes possible
You could benefit from a HMR if:
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you take more than five medicines in a day;
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are confused or worried about your medicines;
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sometimes forget to take you medicines;
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see more than one GP or specialist; or
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you have recently spent time in hospital.
HMR PROCESS
1. (1st Consultation)
- Identify suitable patient
- Provide patient information
- Obtain written or oral consent
- Complete referral form to pharmacist including pathology results e.g. electrolytes, INR, LFTs, lipids, TFT, creatinine etc.
- Claim ordinary consultation item (e.g. 23 or 36)
2. Community Pharmacist Contacts Patient
- Pharmacist arranges home visit
- Pharmacist considers compliance, adverse effects, drug interactions, educational needs, preventative medicine & over the counter purchases.
- Pharmacist writes report on findings
3. General Practitioner receives written report
- Discuss with Pharmacist
4. Discuss Report with Patient (2nd Consultation)
- Prepare Medication Management Plan
- Arrange any follow up
- Provides patient and pharmacy with copy of Medication Management Plan
5. Claim MBS Item
- MBS Item 900 - $134.10 100% (Current 1st Nov, 06)
The Division employs a part-time Home Medication Review Facilitator to promote the program to General Practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals. Information and resources are available on request.
If you have queries in relation to any aspect of the Home Medication Review please contact Rebekah Sheahen: (Ph: 6425 0810) or email:
The GP MBS item number is 900 and earns $137.05 (1st November 2007)
Resources
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