<p>A new <em>Forbes </em>e-book, <em><a href="file:///C:/Users/lboylan/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/9QHQMPBT/Inside%20Obamacare">Inside Obamacare: The Fix For America's Ailing Health Care System</a></em>, highlights an important and frequently echoed theme—an expanded role for pharmacists in healthcare delivery as a solution for a strained and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. NACDS has consistently supported measures, including legislation at the state and federal level, to facilitate pharmacists’ ability to practice at the top of their education level and licenses. Most recently, at the <a href="https://www.nacds.org/Home/TabId/107/PostId/3886/pharmacists-increasing-role-in-delivery-of-healthcare-services-front-and-center-during-nacds-rximpact-day-on-capitol-hill.aspx">NACDS RxIMPACT Day</a> on Capitol Hill in March, more than 400 pharmacy advocates urged lawmakers to support legislation that would designate pharmacists as healthcare providers under the Medicare program. </p>
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<p>The e-book looks at the sweeping reforms brought about by the Affordable Care Act, and how they will affect medicine, healthcare costs, businesses and consumers. The reforms are causing strains on an already taxed system, and are likely to result in healthcare gaps, which could include a shortage of primary care physicians. </p>
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<p>Nurse practitioners achieved recognition as Medicare-eligible healthcare providers in 1997, the result of years of persistent advocacy. The development of advanced-practice nursing, and its subsequent inclusion in federal healthcare reimbursement language, is an excellent example of a health profession achieving change and recognition. As pharmacy has evolved into a comprehensive set of clinical, consultative and educational services, the model of success nurse practitioners achieved is extremely relevant for pharmacists.</p>
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<p>The bottom line, according to the e-book, is the healthcare system is irrefutably changing—and there are viable solutions in the form of pharmacists, physicians assistants and nurse practitioners who are trained and able to effectively collaborate with physicians on the most logical goals—improving patient health outcomes and reducing overall costs.</p>
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<p>Too many recent <a href="https://www.nacds.org/Home/TabId/107/PostId/3804/new-study-finds-better-patient-adherence-with-medication-synchronization-programs.aspx">studies</a> have clearly outlined the documented benefits of pharmacist-assisted management of chronic health conditions and the financial savings those services spur to ignore such a valuable healthcare resource, especially now, when Americans need it most.</p>
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