In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the growing need for effective, accessible and patient-centered diabetes care is emphasized. Approximately 38 million Americans live with diabetes, a condition requiring multiple medications, lifestyle adjustments and frequent monitoring to prevent serious complications.
As the U.S. healthcare landscape faces challenges like provider shortages, rising costs and the closure of retail pharmacy clinics, innovative models such as PharmD Live’s virtual pharmacist-led telehealth services are addressing these needs.
The Impact of Diabetes on Healthcare Spending and Patient Lives
Diabetes not only places a significant burden on patients but also on the healthcare system. Chronic diseases, including diabetes, account for nearly 90% of the $4.1 trillion spent annually on U.S. healthcare. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, vision impairment and nerve damage, which negatively impact patient lives and contribute to rising healthcare costs. Effective diabetes management, however, can prevent or delay these complications, improving quality of life for millions.
Closing Care Gaps with Virtual Pharmacist Care Managers (PCMs)
PharmD Live’s solution offers accessible, expert-driven and personalized support for diabetes management. Clinical Pharmacist Care Managers (PCMs) work virtually to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care through telehealth consultations. This model supports patients while also easing the burden on physicians by providing ongoing medication management, reducing the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) and ensuring patients adhere to their treatment regimens.
With many retail pharmacy locations downsizing due to cost constraints, patients face fewer options for in-person consultations. Virtual PCMs play a crucial role in bridging these gaps, ensuring each patient receives continuous, high-quality support for managing diabetes without requiring physical visits.
How Virtual Pharmacists Support Diabetes Management
Diabetes management requires a careful balance between medications, blood sugar monitoring and lifestyle choices. PharmD Live’s PCMs assist patients by providing support in the following areas:
- Personalized Medication Management: Diabetes treatment often involves multiple medications. PCMs review and manage patients’ regimens, provide guidance on medication use and monitor for potential interactions or side effects.
- Continuous Monitoring with AI-Driven Insights: Leveraging AI-driven predictive analytics, PCMs proactively monitor patients for signs of ADEs and nonadherence. This helps patients avoid complications and remain on a steady path toward better health.
- Patient Education and Support: PCMs educate patients on lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, helping them understand the impact of daily decisions on their blood sugar and overall health.
- Coordinated Care and Communication: Acting as a bridge between patients and their healthcare teams, PCMs ensure that everyone involved is aligned on the patient’s goals and progress, fostering a more integrated and effective care experience.
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Identification and Management: PCMs enhance patient outcomes by identifying and addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) through patient assessments, connecting individuals with community resources, and collaborating with healthcare teams to create holistic, supportive care plans.
Benefits for Providers in Value-Based Care Models
PharmD Live’s virtual model benefits healthcare providers by improving quality metrics crucial to value-based care. By reducing ADEs, avoiding complications and supporting patients in day-to-day needs, PCMs enhance patient outcomes, increase shared savings and help providers meet key quality benchmarks.
Empowering Patients Through Education and Ongoing Engagement
A core benefit of PharmD Live’s PCM-led model is the empowerment it provides to patients. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can feel daunting and patients often need consistent support to stay motivated. PCMs build trust and offer patients a knowledgeable resource they can rely on, helping them stay committed to their health goals and make lifestyle adjustments with long-term benefits.
The Future of Diabetes Care is Virtual
During American Diabetes Month, it’s clear that the future of diabetes management is in flexible, accessible care models. With AI-driven insights and dedicated Pharmacist Care Managers, PharmD Live is transforming diabetes care into a personalized, supportive experience.
For those managing diabetes or healthcare providers seeking enhanced chronic disease management solutions, contact PharmD Live today.
Virtual pharmacist care solutions are available to support better patient outcomes and ease the burden of chronic disease management. Together, a more accessible and effective future for diabetes care is within reach.
