Judy, I also take a list of meds, not quite as many as you, but more than I'd like. When I go to an oncology appointment, or see my primary physician, the nurse or aide will ask me if there are any changes to my meds. That is the only person who ever reviews my meds. Wouldn't you think they should know this?! Does make me a little nervous sometimes. I've discovered some interactions by doing my own research. When I mentioned it to them, they take full credit for discovering it. Hmmm. Unfortunately, I'm required to order my meds through an online pharmacy (Express Scripts), and I truly doubt they check for interactions. However, they do send volumes of paperwork with each prescription. I've learned the hard way to be my own advocate, even though I have very little medical knowledge.

I think if they want us to review our medications each time we have an appointment at Mayo, then a pharmacist should be reviewing them for drug interactions or why bother to review them.   I wonder if anyone reviews them.

Drugs.com has a tool you can list all your medications and it will check for interactions and tell you what side effects are possible

Thanks I’ll check it.

@jaler maybe you could request an appointment with a pharmacist to ask about interactions next time you are at Mayo?

I have had the pleasure of having an appointment with a pharmacist at Mayo. The test results were remarkable and very enlightening.
We discovered why I was having medication reactions, and also why my body simply was not accepting or absorbing a certain medication.The doctor was fantastic and when we met, his explanations helped me and my understand how I could have a better quality of life.

How did you get this appointment?  I thought the purpose of reviewing my medications each time I go to Mayo was so that the pharmacist could coordinate them, but apparently that isn't the case.  Do you have to get a referral to the pharmacist or can you just make your own appointment?  Of course, I'm sure Mayo will bill for that.

Thanks,

Judy Long

@jaler you can request it and yes I'm sure you'll be billed, but it is well worth it if you have concerns. An appointment was part of my husband's pre-transplant work-up.

Hi Judy,
I did some digging and found out a bit more about medication reviews and associated costs. At Mayo, we refer to this as Medication therapy management (MTM).

MTM does carry a cost. MTM is sometimes covered under a patients prescription benefit. Patients can contact their insurance to find out if MTM services would be covered under their plan. Many patients do pay out of pocket for this service. Sometimes medications can be eliminated or changed to less expensive alternatives which reduces overall cost resulting in a net financial benefit even considering the cost of the MTM service. Of course, this is not always the case. You can read more about what services may be covered by Medicare plans at https://www.medicare.gov/part-d/coverage/medication-therapy-management/medication-therapy-programs.html.

Thanks.  I checked the Medicare site and don’t think they pay.   I’m surprised Mayo doesn’t check since I provide them with my medications printed each time I go there.  What do they charge for this service?  And why do they need the medications list at each visit if no one looks at it?JudyLong