Medication management is a treatment system that is used to ensure patients receive optimal therapeutic outcomes for the prescription medications that they may be taking. This process includes initial and ongoing medication reviews to ensure drugs are being used as prescribed while limiting the chances of abuse. Medication management also educates patients so that they are able to use their prescriptions properly for their specific ailments.
The main reason people take medication, it to improve their quality of life. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to keep track of multiple medications and to take them at the right times. If medications are not taken properly, quality of life may not improve and could actually decline. It has been reported that non-adherence to proper medication administration can have a drastic impact on a person’s overall healthcare costs.
- According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50% of patients do not take medications as prescribed with 20% to 30% of prescriptions never getting filled.
- The CDC identified that adverse drug events cause approximately 1.3 million emergency department visits each year with an estimated 125,000 deaths due to lack of adherence.
- The New York Times reported that the mismanagement of medications costs the American health care system between $100 and $289 billion a year.
The strategy behind medication management involves evaluating a patient’s need for their medications. Looking closely at the possible side effects each medication could cause and determine if they are taking medications that are no longer benefiting them. Patients might also require a prescription that has not been prescribed yet. Medication management allows for a holistic view of all medications as sometimes patients see doctors who work in different specialties and who have no communication with each other when prescribing medications.
Once the initial evaluation has been completed, all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are monitored to ensure that none of the medications are causing side effects that are negatively impacting the patient’s quality of life. Ensuring that the patient is taking the prescribed dosages at the correct time is another large component of the ongoing review process. Medication management provides critical education when what they are experiencing may be too complicated for the patient to understand or manage by themselves.
Here at Alleviant, we truly believe that medication management is an important aspect of your overall mental health. All of our sessions are conducted by a psychiatric nurse practitioner or a psychiatrist and appointments can be scheduled to meet your availability needs. You can expect the highest level of care starting with your initial medication assessment. We make sure to provide personalized therapy and collaborative care to help deliver optimal results when it comes to your medications.
Alleviant Health Centers of San Diego is happy to offer a free phone consultation to all new patients. Request a consultation by completing the brief form below. A member of our team will be in touch within 24-48 hours to schedule your call.