Manage Medications

What is this service?
Smart Health Decision’s clinical experts help consumers smartly manage their use of medications to protect their health.  We help you get and take your medications safely.  We believe it is important for you to understand the different skills of physicians and pharmacists so you know which one to talk to about your medication concerns.  We suggest communication techniques you can use when talking about medications to your pharmacist and physician.  We assist you in reviewing the literature accompanying your prescriptions to learn more about the purpose of each medicine, how a drug works in the body, the importance of dose and timing, what to do if a dose is missed, possible interactions, side effects or complications.  And we can help shed light on the differences between prescription and over-the-counter medications, new and old generations of drugs, and on- and off-label uses. 

Affordability is a significant obstacle to effective medication management for many.  The cost of a prescription may prevent a consumer from buying it, or taking it as directed.  Therefore, we review with healthcare consumers the ways to and the ways not to minimize the cost of drugs, considering name brand or generic use, formularies, mail order, options like pill splitting, buying in bulk, and discount or financial assistance programs. 

Smart Health Decisions does not provide medical care.  We are not a substitute for your provider.  Our services are designed to help you make your healthcare experience better and more effective.

How do consumers benefit from this service?
More and more medications are used to manage health.  And more and more problems result.  Appropriate self-management of medication is a critical component of good healthcare and one the consumer controls entirely.   From the time your physician gives you a prescription to the time you take your medication there are important actions you can take to protect your health, safety and budget.    

When should consumers use this service?
Consumers should seek assistance in managing their medications whenever they have a question about them.  This might occur when you receive a new prescription, receive medication instructions or literature you don’t understand, have difficulty affording your medications, or have questions about your insurance drug coverage or formulary. 

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