Author(s)
Kimberly L. Zitko, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP
Brittany Schmidt, PharmD, BCACP

Reviewed By
Jordan Ballou, PharmD, BCACP
Tamera D. Hughes, PharmD
Stefanie P. Ferreri, PharmD, BCACP

Citation
Hoehns JD, Witry M, Al-Khatib A, et al. Community pharmacist and family medicine clinic provision of chronic care management services for Medicare beneficiaries with uncontrolled hypertension. J Am Coll Clin Pharm. 2020; 1– 7. https://doi.org/10.1002/jac5.1224

The Problem

Hypertension is poorly managed in the United States with only 25% of patients achieving optimal blood pressure (BP) control (BP less than 130/80 mmHg). Poor management of hypertension increases a patient’s risk of cardiovascular events and other negative health outcomes.1 To achieve optimal control, patients require close follow-up and BP-lowering medication regimens need to be titrated and periodically adjusted. Current practice guidelines for hypertension recommend monthly follow-up in patients not achieving their BP goals.2 Community pharmacists are in a unique position to manage patients who have poorly controlled hypertension. While community pharmacists are well positioned, significant barriers exist to implementing hypertension management services including lack of reimbursement. Is chronic care management (CCM) a viable payment model to support these services?

What’s Known

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