How Fundamental is MTM?

     Ever since my first year of pharmacy school I knew my career had to involve medication therapy management (MTM) in some capacity.  Before I get carried away and elaborate on career goals, I want to define what MTM is.  According to the American Pharmacists Association: "MTM services encompass the assessment and evaluation of the patients' complete medication therapy regimen, rather than focusing on an individual medication product."  A flaw in our health care system today is that patients have multiple providers prescribing different medications without knowledge of a prior diagnoses and drug interactions.  This flaw may lead to serious consequences for patients including drug interactions, duplicative therapies, and unnecessary medications.  MTM is the solution to this flaw because pharmacists have the ability to objectively look at every drug regimen and work with health care providers in a team to achieve optimal therapy plans.  This aspect of pharmacy that would allow me to work as part of the healthcare team while being able to work one on one with a patient, helped me recognize MTM as an essential component in my future career.

     Now that we understand what MTM is, how important is MTM in our society?  Not only does MTM allow patients to play an active role in their health care and saves lives, it also saves money in terms of both provider and patient.  According to HIT Consultant 88% of emergency room admissions were from adverse medication events among the elderly.  Many of which could have been prevented through MTM services.  Unfortunately, many in the community are unaware of this important service.  More community awareness needs to be done to help inform the public of the importance of medication therapy management and improving a patient's quality of life.
  
http://www.hitconsultant.net/2013/03/31/5-ways-healthcare-providers-can-reduce-costly-hospital-readmissions/

http://www.pharmacist.com/sites/default/files/files/core_elements_of_an_mtm_practice.pdf