As we get older, managing our health can become increasingly complex, especially when it comes to medications. If you are over the age of 65 or have multiple chronic conditions, it’s not uncommon for you to be prescribed multiple medications. While these medications are vital for maintaining your health, they can also come with challenges, such as drug interactions, side effects, and difficulties with sticking to your treatment plan. This is where an annual comprehensive medication review (CMR) can be a key tool in maintaining your health and safety.
A Comprehensive Medication Review is an in-depth, one-on-one consultation with your pharmacist, doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP). The main purpose of a CMR is to make sure all your medications are necessary, safe and effective. This is done by reviewing all the medications you are taking, including:
- Prescription drugs
- Over the counter (OTC) medicines
- Vitamins
- Supplements
Your doctor, APP or pharmacist will also discuss your health conditions, lifestyle and any questions or concerns you may have about your medications.
What to expect during a comprehensive medication review
- Medication Reconciliation: Your doctor, APP or pharmacist will make a complete list of all the medications you are currently taking, including what it is for, how much you are taking and how often. This step is to make sure there are no differences between what your doctor or APP has prescribed and what you are taking at home.
2. Drug Interactions and Side Effects: This is where they will review and identify any potential drug interactions or side effects that could be harmful to you. This will include looking at any OTC, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
3. Adherence Evaluation: Your doctor, APP or pharmacist will discuss with you how well you are following your prescribed medication plan. This includes taking medications at the right time, in the right dosage and as directed. If you are having trouble keeping to your treatment plan, they can offer solutions, such as simplifying your medication schedule or suggesting different forms of medication.
4. Education and Counseling: You will receive personalized education about your medications, including what each medication does, how it works and why it is necessary. Your doctor, APP or pharmacist will also answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on how to keep with your treatment plan and manage any potential side effects or interactions.
5. Recommendations for Medication Changes: Based on the review, your doctor, APP or pharmacist may suggest changes to your medication plan. This could include discontinuing certain medications, changing dosages, or switching to different drugs that may be more effective, have fewer side effects or cost less. If you speak with a pharmacist, it is important to review these suggestions with your doctor or APP before making any changes.
Benefits of a CMR
There are multiple potential benefits of completing an Annual Comprehensive Medication Review. Here are just a few:
- Increased Safety: By identifying and addressing potential drug interactions and side effects, a CMR can help prevent adverse drug events, which are more common if you are taking take multiple medications.
- Improved Medication Adherence: A CMR can help you better understand your medications and the importance of taking them as prescribed, which can help you better understand and keep to your treatment plan which can help improve your overall health.
- Cost Savings: The review may identify medications that you no longer need or that can be substituted with less expensive alternatives, potentially lowering your out-of-pocket costs.
- Personalized Care: The one-on-one nature of a CMR helps to make sure your specific health needs and concerns are addressed, leading to more personalized and effective care.
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, which covers prescription drugs, you may be eligible for a free comprehensive medication review each year as part of your plan’s Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program. It is also important to consider having one during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, as the information gained from this review can help you make an informed decision about which Medicare drug coverage you need for 2025.
Having a comprehensive medication review yearly is a vital tool in managing your health, especially as you get older or begin taking multiple medications. By taking advantage of this service, you can make sure your medications are working as intended, avoid potential risks and potentially save on healthcare costs. Your health is your most valuable asset, and an annual CMR is one of the best ways to protect it.
If you are a Village Medical™ patient and need help navigating Medicare’s drug coverage, please click here for more information.
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.