In an invited commentary in the October 11, 2010, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, entitled A Prescription for Improved Chronic Disease Management, B. Joseph Guglielmo, PharmD, chair of the UCSF School of Pharmacy's Department of Clinical Pharmacy contends that pharmacists practicing in community pharmacies could potentially expand access to health care in the US and "function at the top of their training."

He argues that for this to happen:

1. The economic model of community pharmacies, which is now driven by the number of prescriptions filled, must change. Giving pharmacists health care provider status, so they can be reimbursed for specific services, would incentivize community pharmacists to participate in health risk reduction and chronic disease management.
2. Community pharmacists must have improved access to medical records.
3. Community pharmacists must be integrated into the health care team.

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Archives Editorial Highlights Pharmacist's Role in Chronic Care

Commentary

A Prescription for Improved Chronic Disease Management: Have Community Pharmacists Function at the Top of Their Training