A 2022 survey by the National Library of Medicine revealed that Americans see their pharmacist more than they visit their primary care physician. The average person is likely to see their community pharmacist twice as often as they go to their GP or attend an ER.
It makes sense; if one is seeking help for a minor ailment, a pharmacist is more accessible and convenient, and they are cheaper.
These medical professionals are properly trained to diagnose and treat minor illnesses, and for many Americans who cannot afford insurance premiums for healthcare, they are a lifesaver.
Minor ailments can be described as those that do not require laboratory or blood tests. They tend to last a short time and can be cured with minimal, non-invasive treatment and self-care.
Regulations regarding the illnesses pharmacists can treat vary from state to state. To assess and treat, one needs to have the right educational qualifications. Online Pharm D degrees are required to perform this role. University of Findley’s accredited program takes four years and blends online learning and on-campus lessons. Students also get practical experience by serving in community pharmacies and on-campus immersions.
These courses cover topics like introduction to physical pharmacy and pharmaceutics, pharmacy practice, and application of pharmacy practice.
Pharmacists need to adhere to state guidelines about what illnesses they can and cannot treat. If they don’t, not only do they run the risk of losing their license, but they can also cause harm to patients.
What diseases can they treat?
The list is long and varies from state to state, but below are some of the common illnesses that these professionals are authorized to treat:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Fungal conditions
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Dandruff
- Hemorrhoids
- Herpes
- Different types of acne and eczema
- Mild headaches and joint pain
- Minor sleep disorders
- Canker sores
- Nausea
- Non-infectious diarrhea
- Certain types of worm infestations
- UTIs
- Yeast infections
- Certain types of warts
- Dry eyes
This is by no means an exhaustive list. You can find out more about what diseases pharmacists can treat in your state by speaking to the relevant pharmaceutical body.
Steps in a pharmacy assessment
Before they issue a prescription, pharmacists are required to assess the patient and follow these steps:
Talking to the patient
The patient explains their symptoms, and then the pharmacist discusses what could have caused the illness and the process of treating it. They also obtain consent from the patient to conduct a physical assessment.
Assessing the illness
The patient is shown to a private room, where they are examined to determine the extent of their illness. Some require an appointment, but in most community pharmacies in America, patients can walk in and get treatment without calling first.
Explaining their findings to the patient
The process of assessment involves talking more with the patient about their illness. The pharmacist wants to find out how long the patient has been ill and any other information that may be relevant.
If a patient has allergic rhinitis, for example, the pharmacist will want to know whether they have been exposed to pollen and other allergens.
The pharmacist also finds out if the patient has any chronic conditions and what medications they may be taking.
Recommendation
After determining the illness, the pharmacist discusses the recommended medication. They explain what it is used for, the dosage, and any side effects that may follow.
Referral
In many cases, patients need more medical care than a pharmacist can provide. He advises them to see their GP or visit the ER.
Steps after a pharmacy assessment
The patient is issued a prescription
They will get a written prescription and medication. They are told how they should use it. The pharmacist also discusses self-care and gives recommendations on what the patient can do to get better faster. They can also talk about overall health, diet, and exercise to help the patient recover.
The patient’s doctor is notified
It is important to make sure that all records are up-to-date. The pharmacist lets the doctor know that the patient has been attended to and what medications they have prescribed.
They give the patient a copy of the assessment and prescription
For patients who do not have a doctor, the pharmacist writes a short report outlining the illness and the medications they have dispensed. Should the patient’s condition worsen, they should visit an ER with this information.
Follow-up
It is standard practice for the pharmacist to call the patient after a few days and find out if they are feeling better. If the symptoms are worse, they immediately recommend a visit to the ER.
Does a pharmacy visit cost money?
Yes, in many cases, the patient has to pay a small fee to have an assessment done. However, it is nothing compared to how much they would pay if they saw a doctor.
There are certain times when pharmacists cannot assess and prescribe. These include:
- If the illness persists or heals and then recurs. The patient likely needs tests to find out if their illness is more serious than previously thought. A good example of this is cold sores, which, in some people, recur every year or every few months. It is best to visit a hospital and have tests done to find out exactly what the problem is.
- If symptoms appear to indicate an underlying illness.
- If symptoms seem to indicate a decline in organ function.
- If there has been an unusual reaction to the medication that the pharmacist prescribed.
If any of the above occurs, the pharmacist must advise the patient to see a doctor so that they can get comprehensive tests and treatment. They can also refer them to a specialist if they feel it is warranted.
Conclusion
With the right degree, pharmacists can get licensure to assess patients and write them prescriptions. However, they are only authorized to treat minor ailments, and if, after assessing the patient, they feel that they need more specialized care, they refer them to a doctor.