Home Medicines Review

What is Home Medicines Review (HMR)?

A program funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing under the 6th Community Pharmacy agreement. The HMR program aims to increase quality use of medicines and reduce adverse medicine events by conducting a comprehensive review of a patient’s medicine in the patient’s home.

Cost of HMRs

No cost to the patient nor the medical practice.

Financial Benefits for Your Practice Through Patient Referrals

GPs are able to claim for a fully completed MBS Item 900. As an example of revenue growth over a 12-month period, 5 HMR referrals per week will generate around $47,000 in additional income for the referring GP.

Patient Eligibility

A GP determines if a patient is eligible for a HMR. Eligibility includes:

▪ Takes more than 12 doses of a medicine per day;
▪ Have difficulty managing their own medications because of illiteracy, language barriers, or impaired sight;
▪ Attend a number of different doctors, both GPs and specialists;
▪ Have been discharged from hospital in the previous four weeks;
▪ Have had a significant change to their medication regimen in the past three months;
▪ Have experienced a change in their medical condition or abilities (e.g. falls, cognition, physical function);
▪ Use prescription medicine with a narrow therapeutic index or medicine that requires therapeutic monitoring;
▪ Have symptoms of an adverse drug reaction;
▪ Have a sub-therapeutic response to therapy;
▪ Have problems managing medication devices, e.g. DAAs (Dose Administration Aids);
▪ Are at risk or unable to manage their medication due to reduced dexterity, confusion, or impaired vision.

Contact

Sean Zhang:

Sean is also happy to arrange a clinic visit to discuss the HMR process and how my service can support your practice.