The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) recently launched its Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Advisory Group. The group's first meeting, held on September 4, 2024, brought together industry leaders and experts in the field of pharmacy and medication management.
On behalf of ActualMeds, Joseph Gruber, Chief Clinical Officer, and James Duke, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, have joined the group to helped move the industry forward and ensure that ActualMeds’ continues to be a leader in this critical work.
Here are four things to know about this important initiative:
1. New Leadership with PQA at the Helm
What to Know: The PQA has formally taken over the management of the MTM Advisory Group from the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP). The group's first meeting was held on September 4, 2024, with AMCP continuing as a supporting organization.
Why It Matters: This transition brings fresh perspectives and aligns the advisory group with PQA's mission to improve medication safety, adherence, and appropriate use. PQA's leadership can potentially accelerate progress in MTM services and foster more comprehensive quality measures in pharmacy practice.
2. Addressing Critical Challenges in MTM Services
What to Know: The Advisory Group has identified four major challenges to address:
- Lack of data standards
- Insufficient interoperability processes
- Difficulty in accessing current and complete medication regimens and history
- Barriers to MTM services, including issues related to Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity
Why It Matters: By focusing on these challenges, the group aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MTM services. Addressing these issues can lead to better patient outcomes, reduced medication errors, and more equitable access to MTM services across diverse populations.
3. Expanding MTM Services Beyond Medicare
What to Know: The Advisory Group recognizes the importance of extending MTM services beyond the current Medicare-eligible population to other age groups and populations.
Why It Matters: Expanding MTM services can significantly improve medication management for a broader range of patients. This approach acknowledges that medication-related issues affect people of all ages and can lead to better health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of life for many more individuals.
4. Data and Technology Pave the Path Forward
What to Know: Companies like ActualMeds are supporting PQA's efforts by implementing recommendations for structured data, standardization of MTM terms and services, and robust interoperability. ActualMeds has developed state-of-the-art medication management technology and offers MTM services through its Pharmacist-On-Demand technology enabled service.
Why It Matters: Industry support and technological advancements are crucial for the success of MTM initiatives, and the ability to scale as CMS expands the universe of eligible patients. These efforts can lead to more efficient MTM services, better data sharing between healthcare providers, and ultimately, improved patient care. The involvement of industry leaders ensures that theoretical improvements can be practically implemented in real-world healthcare settings.
Stay tuned for more updates as the PQA MTM Advisory Group progresses in its mission to enhance the quality and reach of medication therapy management services. To learn more about how ActualMeds can help with MTM, please visit https://www.actualmeds.com/solutions#ICMM-platform.