Pharmacists as Providers

Take Action to Support Your Trusted Pharmacist!

For decades, pharmacists have been one of the few healthcare professionals that lack recognition as healthcare providers in federal law. Nearly all other healthcare professional services are rightfully covered under Medicare laws, including services provided by chiropractors, midwives, and dieticians, but not services provided by pharmacists. You can urge your U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative to support legislation currently introduced at the federal level that would increase patient access to health care in medically underserved areas and allow pharmacists to be recognized as providers under Medicare law. Click here to access a letter template to customize and send to your elected officials at the federal level. Be sure to replace content highlighted in yellow with the appropriate contact information and name(s), and add a personal story answering the questions provided. Utilize the district lookup on MPA's legislative directory to identify your legislators and access their contact information to mail and/or print the letter. For more information about provider status, visit www.PharmacistsProvideCare.com.

Pharmacists are the medication experts on the healthcare team, with the most advanced knowledge of medication therapy of any health professional. The doctorate program completed by pharmacists takes a minimum of six years. In addition, many pharmacists complete post-doctorate education, including specialized residency and fellowship training programs, based on their area of interest. 

Pharmacists practice in hospitals/health-systems, communities, long-term care facilities, physician offices and as consultants making contact with patients in almost every aspect of healthcare. In addition to the services listed above, pharmacists are uniquely qualified to perform a variety of other patient care services, including medication compounding, nuclear pharmacy and healthcare medication utilization management. 

Click on one of the links at the right to learn more about various areas in which pharmacists provide direct patient care based on your role as a patient or a healthcare provider.

The Pharmacists as Providers resource is brought to you by the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists and MPA Public Affairs Committee.

Access Resources by Clicking on One of the Links Below

Are You a Legislator?

If you're an elected official, click here or on the image below to access a copy of the resource geared specifically toward your role! If you have any questions about pharmacists as key providers on the health care team, please contact MPA at (517) 484-1466.