CareSource partners with CPESN USA to allow Pharmacists to provide additional care to members in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio (CareSource) — CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, announced today that it is partnering with CPESN USA in Ohio to help its members gain expanded access to new pharmacist-provided care throughout the state.

“Our collaboration with CPESN USA across Ohio allows pharmacists to practice at the top of their license and provide care to our members in Ohio at the point of service when medications are being dispensed,” said Jessica Hatton, PharmD, BCACP, AVP, Pharmacy – CareSource Ohio. “This can range from medication education to medication management in coordination with a member’s providers. This also includes point-of-care testing and blood pressure measurement, as well as closing gaps in care.”

Jessica Hatton, PharmD, BCACP, AVP, Pharmacy – CareSource Ohio. (Photo: CareSource)

Residents in rural and underserved communities often rely on pharmacists and their local drug store for health care services beyond prescription fulfillment. This can include asking their community pharmacist for help with chronic condition management, health screenings and vaccinations.

CareSource has a long-standing partnership with many independent pharmacies that have participated in the CareSource Ohio network for years. Additionally, many pharmacists in CPESN pharmacies are now able to provide clinical services to CareSource Ohio Medicaid members and bill for those services. 

"Alongside hundreds of CPESN pharmacists in Ohio, we’re thrilled to partner with CareSource on pharmacist-led services and value-based programs aimed at addressing and closing care gaps," said Kevin Day, PharmD, CPESN Ohio Managing Network Facilitator and owner of two Cincinnati pharmacies. "We are confident in our ability to improve health outcomes for CareSource members."

Pharmacists have extensive knowledge of the communities in which they operate and often close relationships with their patients. This unique role helps pharmacists to contribute to individualized care.

Shannon Steele, MSc, RPh, pharmacy community program manager at CareSource. (Photo: CareSource)

“We see this new collaboration as a starting point and look forward to building on it with other services including a program to increase the number of adults who receive preventive vaccinations, including flu, shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and pneumonia,” added Hatton. “It’s a win-win-win, with CareSource, pharmacists and, most importantly, members, all being in position for strong, positive outcomes.”

“Any effort to support patients in receiving more care from providers who know them well, like their local

pharmacists, only contributes to better health outcomes,” said Shannon Steele, MSc, RPh, pharmacy community program manager at CareSource. “CPESN Ohio and CareSource understand this and this partnership will improve access to quality health care services for those most in need.” 

“This collaboration will bring many benefits to our members,” said Hatton. “CPESN pharmacists are able to bill for other services, under the current Ohio law. We continue to look at additional opportunities to improve care, quality and outcomes for our members as pharmacists can help bridge access issues because patients visit their pharmacy one to two times more than they typically see their primary care provider.”

About CPESN USA

CPESN® USA is a clinically integrated, nationwide organization of pharmacy networks structured to advance community-based pharmacy practice. They empower community-based pharmacies that are deeply rooted within their community by fostering their ability to provide high quality, patient-centered enhanced services. CPESN® pharmacies integrate with other healthcare providers on the patient’s care team to coordinate medical treatment. The results are better medication adherence, higher patient satisfaction, and lower healthcare costs. You can find CPESN® Networks in 44 states across America. Please visit www.CPESN.com.