In the push to expand the role of pharmacists in prescribing medications, a battle has emerged between pharmacy giants like CVS Health, Walgreens, Walmart, and Amazon, and doctor groups who oppose the move. While the pharmacy chains argue that pharmacists are equipped to do more than just manage prescriptions, physician groups argue that prioritizing profits over patient care could lead to serious health consequences. The Biden Administration’s “test to treat” initiative, which allows pharmacists to test patients for Covid-19 and immediately prescribe treatments like antivirals, is being used as a case to support broader prescribing rights for pharmacists.
Pharmacy executives believe that pharmacists are often the first health professionals that patients encounter and are well-equipped to handle questions about drug interactions and side effects. They argue that expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists would not only address the shortage of physicians but also improve access to healthcare services. Retail pharmacies are also seeking to add healthcare services like testing and treatment for Covid-19, strep throat, and the flu to their offerings to provide more comprehensive care to their customers.
While pharmacy chains like Walmart are expanding testing and treatment services in several states, they are facing opposition from physician groups like the American Medical Association and state medical societies. These groups believe that care should be led by physicians and that pharmacists are not trained to diagnose or prescribe medications. The Illinois State Medical Society, for example, is concerned about the lobbying efforts of national pharmacy chains for a new business model that would grant pharmacists the authority to diagnose and treat a range of health conditions without the necessary training.
However, supporters of pharmacists being able to prescribe argue that pharmacists play a critical role in providing care, especially in specialized areas like HIV prevention. The Elton John AIDS Foundation, for instance, is working with Walmart and Duke University to train pharmacists on how to educate patients about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that can help prevent HIV. By allowing pharmacists to test for diseases and prescribe medications like PrEP, supporters believe that they can help bridge the gap in access to healthcare facilities for those at risk for HIV.
Despite opposition from physician groups, pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Amazon continue to support efforts to expand the role of pharmacists in prescribing medications. They argue that pharmacists are well-trained to provide quality care and that allowing them to prescribe medications can improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency in the healthcare industry. However, the battle between pharmacy chains and physician groups is likely to continue as both sides seek to ensure that patient care remains a top priority in the evolving landscape of healthcare services.
