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Trinity Pioneer ACO MTM Program Completes Study Period

Findings to Impact Pharmacist-Delivered Services in ACO Models
Since 2011, the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) has been working with UnityPoint Health to integrate pharmacist services into the Trinity Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO). With support from McKesson, the Community Pharmacy Foundation, and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation, pharmacies were enrolled to provide MTM services as members of the health care team serving the eight counties in northern Iowa included in the Pioneer ACO. Approximately 25 pharmacies throughout the region have been engaged in delivering MTM services to eligible patients during the first two years of the program.
 
Under an ACO model, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides incentives to the providers who work together to coordinate care for patients. In order to receive these incentives, providers are required to meet certain quality standards based upon numerous measures including patient outcomes and care coordination among the team.
 
Nearly 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries within the Trinity Pioneer ACO were eligible to receive MTM services including consultations for newly diagnosed chronic conditions, post-discharge medication reconciliation, and ongoing medication management to address issues of non-adherence. IPA has supported all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in the ACO service area by providing additional training and coordinating continuing education sessions through the Collaborative Education Institute (CEI).
 
As the two-year research period concludes, a research team at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy will provide an extensive examination of the effects of MTM services on hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions through this incorporation of pharmacist-delivered services in the ACO model. As these results are compiled and released, IPA will look to advance the partnership of the pharmacy profession within the ACO model of care.

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