Medicine related problems are common

Each year 140,000 hospital admissions and 400,000 visits to general practitioners are medicine-related. An Australian study showed that 90% of patients had at least one medicine-related problem, with most having three. Research has shown that patients having HMRs greatly reduce their chance of medication-related hospital admissions because they understand their medicines better.

Home Medicine Review: MBS Item 900 ($143.40 as at Feb 2010)

If you’d like to get started with HMRs, here’s how!

Talk with other practices
Chances are, they routinely refer patients for HMRs and have some great tips.

Start small…..
Think of 5 patients who would benefit from a Home Medicines Review.

Use your Practice Nurse
Practice Nurses can explain the purpose of the HMR, gain patient consent and also generate HMR referrals on behalf of the GP.

HMR referral templates
Templates are integrated into most software packages. If you can’t find yours, check our templates or contact us.

Be specific on the referral
Make sure you include the area of concern, what you want the Pharmacist to focus on and any other helpful information.

Send referral to patient’s preferred Pharmacy

Discuss report with Pharmacist
Discuss findings and complete a Medication Management Plan.

Discuss report with Patient
Schedule appointment to discuss any changes to medication as a result of the report.

Submit your claim
MBS Item 900 / 10991

If you would like support with Home Medicine Reviews contact Midwest GP Network on 9920 7100.