By Cynthia Chioma Nwaubani

The growing demand for healthcare services in the U.S., fueled by an aging population and an increase in chronic health conditions, has put a spotlight on inefficiencies and gaps within the healthcare system. Nearly 90% of the U.S.'s $4.1 trillion in healthcare expenditures are devoted to chronic and mental health conditions, creating a pressing need for more effective, cost-efficient and accessible healthcare models.

This is compounded by national pharmacy chains recently shuttering primary care health clinics and retail stores, eliminating virtual care options and struggling to manage rising costs. Pharmacist-led telehealth is bridging these gaps in care by offering a virtual clinical pharmacist solution with Pharmacist Care Managers (PCMs) ready to assist physician clinics and their patients with telehealth consults. This approach to care reduces the workload on physicians and effectively manages chronic disease and medications between the patients’ doctor office visits.

PCMs provide needed support, from comprehensive medication management to resolving adverse drug events (ADEs) and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) identification and management ensuring that patients receive rapid, consistent and comprehensive access to care. Furthermore, improved care quality and patient outcomes decrease utilization and boost quality metrics for provider organizations participating in shared savings, value-based contracts.

Facilitating value-based care
The shift toward value-based care in the U.S. healthcare system encourages providers to deliver high-quality care while controlling costs. Pharmacist-led telehealth aligns well with this model by supporting proactive, technology-enabled care management that is both cost-effective and outcome-focused. RPM enables providers to monitor blood pressure and intervene early to prevent complications, aligning with value-based care’s goals.

PCMs are leading the way in advancing patient care through remote patient monitoring (RPM), chronic care management (CCM) and principal care management (PCM), all programs that are reimbursed under Medicare and allow providers to track patient progress in real time. This enables timely interventions that can prevent complications and reduce hospitalizations. A recent study demonstrated that these pharmacist-led CMM programs, delivered via telehealth, reduced per-patient healthcare spending by $380 per month, offering a robust return on investment.

However, many providers and clinics are not fully utilizing the option to integrate pharmacist-led telehealth into their care settings, missing out on opportunities to monitor and manage patients remotely, improve care management and boost quality metrics that introduce potential revenue streams under shared savings, value-based contracts. Furthermore, a pharmacist-led virtual care model can reduce physician workloads and burnout, and enable a smaller provider workforce to effectively manage a larger patient base.

Enhancing patient experience and access to care
Pharmacist-led telehealth services allow patients to receive high-quality disease and medication management and counseling without needing to visit a healthcare facility, effectively addressing some of the most significant barriers to care access, especially in rural or underserved areas.

With approximately 50% of the 4.5 billion prescriptions filled annually taken incorrectly, leading to $300 billion in avoidable healthcare costs, these virtual care solutions are instrumental in helping patients manage their treatment more effectively. By delivering pharmacy-specific healthcare remotely, PCMs improve patient experiences by reducing medication errors, offering after-hours services and minimizing travel times for patients who might otherwise lack access to essential care. RPM also empowers patients by allowing them to monitor their health from home, adding convenience and continuity to care, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

For example, a study on remote patient monitoring (RPM) for hypertension demonstrated that telepharmacy services enabled patients to track their blood pressure from home while receiving regular pharmacist guidance, resulting in notable improvements in blood pressure management and overall health outcomes. This level of accessibility is invaluable for patients who may struggle to regularly attend in-person visits due to geographical or logistical challenges.

In addition to minimizing travel-related obstacles, virtual care enhances patient engagement by enabling PCMs to conduct regular check-ins—vital interventions for preventing adverse drug events and supporting adherence to prescribed therapies, particularly for patients with complex medication regimens. Patients have access to PCMs 24/7 around the clock for all medication-related questions.

These services empower patients to manage their health effectively from the comfort of their homes, resulting in a positive patient experience and a sense of control over their healthcare.

Generating cost savings for patients and providers
The impact of telehealth on healthcare costs is another significant benefit, especially in a system where financial efficiency is increasingly important. According to a systematic review of telepharmacy services, four of six studies indicated that telepharmacy was less costly than traditional pharmacy care due in part to reduced patient travel expenses and minimized productivity loss. This becomes even more critical in light of leading pharmacy chains closing their retail outlets and abandoning primary and virtual care.

Additionally, telepharmacy contributes to system-wide savings by decreasing the likelihood of medication errors, reducing emergency department visits and preventing hospital readmissions. For example, this model supports medication adherence, which is essential in preventing medication misuse, overuse or underuse—practices that contribute to unnecessary hospital visits and higher healthcare costs.

Supporting effective care management in chronic conditions
Effective chronic condition management is central to the U.S. healthcare system's shift toward value-based care and pharmacist-led telehealth services are a powerful tool in this area. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart failure require continuous medication management and frequent monitoring. By integrating RPM, providers can ensure precise blood pressure control, significantly reducing cardiovascular risks and improving chronic disease management outcomes.

This virtual care solution gives patients access to tailored, consistent support from PCMs who can adjust medications as needed and offer immediate guidance on treatment-related issues. This continuous support helps prevent hospital readmissions, minimizes medication misuse and ultimately improves patient outcomes.

It is a patient-centric approach to care that proves especially effective in managing hypertension, significantly lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure for patients receiving regular remote monitoring and pharmacist support. Similarly, these services for antiretroviral therapy were shown to maintain high medication adherence and minimize complications from non-adherence.

Addressing healthcare staffing shortages
The U.S. healthcare system faces a significant workforce shortage, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Telehealth-enabled care models make efficient use of existing healthcare staff by enabling remote monitoring, consultation and intervention.

This means that PCMs can monitor and manage multiple patients simultaneously without requiring in-person appointments, significantly alleviating the burden on healthcare facilities and staff. By expanding the reach of healthcare providers, they help to ensure that patients in remote locations or those with transportation challenges receive consistent and quality care.

Additionally, by leveraging technology for routine follow-ups and medication reviews, they free up time for healthcare professionals to focus on more complex cases requiring direct intervention. This shift not only optimizes resource use but also enhances the quality of care provided to patients with the most pressing needs.

Embracing pharmacist-led telehealth as a pillar of modern healthcare
PCMs are helping to reshape the U.S. healthcare system, offering notable improvements in patient experience, cost savings and chronic disease management. By enhancing access to care, enabling continuous monitoring and supporting value-based care initiatives, this care model addresses key challenges confronting both providers and patients.

For healthcare professionals and policymakers, it is an approach that presents a practical solution to existing healthcare gaps and aligns with the future direction of value-based, patient-centered care. While its potential is vast, further research and economic evaluations are needed to refine best practices and optimize reimbursement policies.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, pharmacist-led telehealth is well-positioned to play a transformative role in creating a more accessible, efficient and patient-focused healthcare system.

About the author: Dr. Cynthia C. Nwaubani, PharmD, BCPS is a visionary healthcare executive driving PharmD Live’s growth strategies and organizational goals, with a focus on expanding innovative clinical pharmacy solutions across U.S. healthcare verticals. As an entrepreneurial and analytical leader, she excels in problem-solving, streamlining operations, and optimizing productivity to deliver cost-effective, patient-centered outcomes. As the founder of PharmD Live, Dr. Nwaubani introduced a groundbreaking virtual clinical pharmacist solution that leverages clinical pharmacist care managers and proprietary AI-driven technology to manage chronic disease and medication therapy. This solution has consistently improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare utilization and costs, and enhanced value-based care profitability.