PDF
Published
2024-04-19
Issue
Section
Pharmacy Practice & Practice-Based Research
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Leigh Ballard, Adriane York, Jessica Skelley, Marion Sims
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright of content published in INNOVATIONS in pharmacy belongs to the author(s).
Clinical and Financial Outcomes of a Pilot Pharmacist-Led Continuous Glucose Monitoring Clinic
Leigh Ballard
Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, AL
Adriane York
Samford University, Christ Health Center, and UAB Kirklin Clinic, Birmingham, AL
Jessica Skelley
Samford University and Christ Health Center, Birmingham, AL
Marion Sims
Christ Health Center, Birmingham, AL
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v15i1.6081
Keywords: pharmacist, diabetes, blood glucose, self-monitoring
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: What are the clinical and financial benefits of patients using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as part of a pilot pharmacist-led service in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
Methods: This single-center, prospective cohort conducted in a FQHC from October 2022 to September 2023 was submitted to IRB for review [EXMT-P-22-F-17]. Patients were seen by a pharmacist in collaboration with an attending physician during diabetes specific visits. Follow-up visits were scheduled in-person every 3 months to obtain a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Reimbursement rates were analyzed to determine financial outcomes of the pharmacy service.
Results: Pharmacists saw 15 patients for their initial CGM visits, with 8 patients returning for follow-up. The average HbA1c at the first visit was 10% + 2.49 and improved at the last follow-up to 8.05% + 0.29. Time in range (TIR) was obtained for 8 patients through the CGM device or online data monitoring. The average TIR 2 weeks after the first pharmacist visit was 39.625% + 23.19 and increased to 48.75% + 11.41 at the completion of the project. A total of 39 visits were conducted, with a total reimbursement rate of $5,978.54.
Conclusion: This pharmacist-led pilot CGM clinic showed improvements in clinical outcomes and provided financial reimbursement for diabetes management in addition to typical office visit revenue. Further research should focus on clinical impact of pharmacist-led continuous glucose monitor clinics in larger patient populations, as well as financial sustainability of the service in both physician clinics and FQHC’s.
