Willowbrook, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today visited with medical staff at two area pharmacies to learn about the unique services offered by community pharmacists and to discuss the role they can play in improving the accessibility, affordability, and quality of health care.  The tours of Dominick’s Pharmacy in Willowbrook and the Hinsdale Hospital Pharmacy were followed by a discussion of how such services can be expanded in context of the ongoing national debate about far-reaching changes to the nation’s health care system.
 
           "In some cases, a hometown pharmacist can help with medical advice or wellness monitoring without requiring a visit to the doctor’s office,” said Biggert, a member of the GOP Health Care Solutions Working Group.  “Building on these services could be a cost-effective way of improving patient outcomes and making effective, preventative care a more convenient option.  This is just one more common-sense idea that Congress should explore before rushing into a government takeover that would drive out high-quality private plans or place immense new tax burdens on individuals and small businesses.”
 
           Currently, many pharmacies like those at Hinsdale Hospital and Dominick’s offer personalized medication management assistance, immunizations for diseases, help with home monitoring equipment, and various other wellness services, including screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol. 
 
           “The pharmacist is one of the most accessible and important health care professionals in the community,” said Don Keprta, President of Dominick's.  “With the upcoming flu season, and concerns about the spread of the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus, many pharmacies will be providing flu shots to help address this potential health issue.   In addition to dispensing important prescription drugs, our pharmacists also provide clinical advice and counsel to their patients, at a low cost.”
 
           The tour also provided an opportunity to discuss how federal reforms could build on these services though improved coverage, added support for post-educational pharmacy training, and other options.
 
           “Unfortunately the current healthcare system does not achieve the level of medication safety and effectiveness that patients deserve,” said Jack Durley, Director of Pharmacy at Hinsdale Hospital.  “The value of medications often cannot be realized without appropriate management.  Contemporarily educated pharmacists, particularly those with residency training and board certification, can both monitor and adjust medications by working hand-in-hand with the patient and their doctor.  The result is higher quality healthcare and fewer adverse medication events resulting in lower overall healthcare costs.”
 
            “It’s good to know that health care providers right in our neighborhood are looking for ways to expand affordable options for care,” said Biggert.  “I look forward to sharing that message with my colleagues in Washington in hopes of producing smarter, more sensible health care solutions for all Americans.”

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