Advent launches pharmacy service

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Advent Home Medical has expanded its “circle of care” to help make the transition from hospital to home easier on its patients.

The provider recently established a pharmacy division, Advicare Pharmacy, to provide medication and medication management services to its patients, most of who are dependent on ventilators.

“We can have their medications waiting for them at home instead of them having to go to two or three pharmacies when they are discharged,” said Carlia Cichon, owner. “It's been especially good in rural areas. It can be very difficult for the family members to get out.”

Advicare's three pharmacists consult with the patient's physician to create a medication profile and ensure that needed prescriptions are available.

When necessary, a pharmacist will also conduct a home visit.

“They may suggest minimizing certain drugs or tapering off meds that the patient doesn't need,” said Peter Primak, general manager.

The pharmacy offers a full line of prescription medication, and, while it is geared toward vent patients, family members and other providers in the home have access.

The services are not only convenient for patients and caregivers, but also help drive down healthcare costs associated with hospital readmissions and medication waste, said Cichon.

The bulk of Advent's payer mix is made up of commercial payers, particularly auto insurance and workers' compensation. Many of its vent patients have catastrophic injuries from accidents, says Primak. Most payers will pay for medication management for “reasonable and necessary benefits,” he said.

Advent, which marked its 10-year anniversary in June, offers respiratory devices, hospital beds, wound care and incontinence supplies, and enteral therapy. It also has a private duty nursing division and a rehab transportation service. Adding the pharmacy widens what Cichon calls her “circle of care.”

“The need is there,” said Cichon. “It's not a service just anyone can do.”