Ontario Pharmacists Face Pressure to Meet MedsCheck Billing Targets, Prompting Investigation

The Ontario College of Pharmacists has launched an investigation into allegations of improper billing practices and corporate pressure on pharmacists at Shoppers Drug Mart to meet targets for government-funded medication reviews. The probe was prompted by Marg Davies, who discovered that a MedsCheck, a program that reimburses pharmacies for reviewing patients' medications, was billed to the Ontario government by a Shoppers Drug Mart in Georgetown, even though she did not receive the service.

The Ontario Pharmacists Association plans to discuss potential changes to the MedsCheck program with the provincial government, including reducing administrative burden, adjusting eligibility criteria, and considering expanding it into a chronic disease management program. "We have been actively working with the Ministry of Health to identify opportunities to reduce the administrative burden, adjust eligibility to ensure we are targeting those most in need, and look at options to move the MedsCheck program from a one-off service to an ongoing chronic disease management program," said Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association.

Why this matters: The investigation highlights concerns about the integrity of the MedsCheck program and the potential impact of corporate pressure on pharmacists' professional judgment. The outcome could lead to changes in how the program is administered and monitored to ensure proper billing practices and patient care.

In response to the allegations, Shoppers Drug Mart has implemented an updated MedsCheck procedure in Ontario that includes more robust documentation of patient consent and acknowledgement of the scope of services. The Ontario College of Pharmacists is also exploring options to address the issue of corporate pressure on pharmacists, including through accreditation standards.

The investigation into the MedsCheck billing practices at Shoppers Drug Mart is ongoing, with the Ontario College of Pharmacists gathering information to determine the extent of the issue and potential disciplinary actions. The Ontario Pharmacists Association remains committed to working with the government to improve the MedsCheck program and ensure that it effectively serves the needs of patients while maintaining the integrity of the pharmacy profession.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario College of Pharmacists investigating improper MedsCheck billing at Shoppers Drug Mart.
• Ontario Pharmacists Association seeks to reduce MedsCheck program's administrative burden and expand it.
• Investigation highlights concerns about corporate pressure on pharmacists' professional judgment.
• Shoppers Drug Mart updates MedsCheck procedures, Ontario College explores accreditation standards.
• Ongoing investigation to determine extent of issue and potential disciplinary actions.