Pharmacy-Provided Care
I choose the emergence of pharmacy-provided health care
Choose an economic issue in health care that is driving change in the industry. For example, pandemic responses, staffing shortages, drug prices, the emergence of pharmacy-provided health care, the aging population, chronic disease, et cetera. Choose an issue of interest to you. An upcoming assignment will require you to delve deeper into the subject.
- Provide a one-page description of the economic issue and how or why it is driving change in health care.
Week 3 Activity – Principles in Health CareWeek 3 Activity – Principles in Health CareCriteriaRatingsPtsDescribe an economic issue and how or why it is driving change in healthcare. Describe an example.50 to >45 ptsExemplaryDescribed an economic issue and how or why it is driving change in healthcare. Described an example.45 to >40 ptsCompetentDescribed an economic issue and how or why it is driving change in healthcare. Provided no example.40 to >35 ptsNeeds ImprovementDescribed an economic issue but failed to provide a compelling reason of how or why it is driving change in healthcare.35 to >0 ptsUnacceptableDid not describe an economic issue and how or why it is driving change in healthcare./ 50 pts
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• Choose an economic issue in health care that is driving change in the industry,
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• Provide a one-page description of the economic issue,
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• Explain how the economic issue is driving change in health care,
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• Describe an example,
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• Demonstrate why the change is significant
Comprehensive Response (One Page)
One major economic issue driving significant change in the U.S. health care industry is the emergence and rapid expansion of pharmacy-provided health care services. Increasing health care costs, provider shortages, and rising patient demand for accessible care have pushed pharmacies to evolve beyond medication dispensing into direct clinical care. Pharmacist-provided services such as vaccinations, chronic disease management, medication therapy management, and point-of-care testing have become cost-effective strategies to improve access—especially in underserved and rural areas.
Economically, pharmacy-based care reduces the burden on primary care physicians and emergency departments. Because pharmacists already maintain strong medication expertise and are readily available without appointments, they are filling critical gaps in care delivery. The shortage of physicians—estimated to reach up to 124,000 by 2034—has created an urgent need for alternative health care access points. Pharmacies provide extended hours, greater distribution across neighborhoods, and lower overhead costs compared to physician offices, driving insurer and policy support for reimbursing pharmacy-based clinical services.
A key example of this shift emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and local independent pharmacies became primary vaccination and testing centers. This role demonstrated that pharmacies could deliver large-scale public health interventions efficiently and cost-effectively. As a result, many states expanded pharmacist scope of practice, enabling them to prescribe for minor illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and bill insurance plans for clinical services.
This economic transformation is reshaping the health care landscape. Pharmacies are becoming integrated community health hubs, supporting preventive care and reducing long-term medical costs by improving disease management and early detection. As economic pressures continue—including high hospital costs and aging population demands—pharmacy-provided care will remain essential in creating a more accessible, cost-efficient, and sustainable health system.
References
American Association of Medical Colleges. (2021). The complexities of physician supply and demand.
Berenbrok, L. A., et al. (2022). Pharmacy-based vaccination and public health outcomes. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.
Hogue, M. D. (2021). Pharmacy’s role in COVID-19 pande