Theoretically it is true that the primary should be going over meds, but if specialists prescribe, most PCP's assume they know more about what they are doing than the primary - that's why you were referred. And even if willing, they are SWAMPED these days, allowed only 15-30 minutes per patient visit - including paperwork - to do their job.

A Pharmacist is immersed in the wild and sometimes scary world of how drugs work (or don't) together, so are often better qualified to make the analysis. There are also nurses, advanced nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have advanced training in medication management. The complexity of the issues is why med reconciliation needs to be undertaken by someone other than the PCP in people with multiple providers and multiple medical conditions.

Finally, the complexity of medication management and interactions is why people need to use one pharmacy, or at least one pharmacy network for all meds - their systems are now designed to "flag" possible interactions between current drugs. They can be the first line of defense against inadvertant interactions.

Sue