What to Expect in a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Session

Medically Reviewed by Thai Hensch, RPh, MBA, CPHQ, Director, Pharmacy Care Management

If you find it challenging to keep up with all the medications you take, a medication therapy management session with a pharmacist could help.

Most people in the United States take at least one prescription medication, with many people taking several on a regular basis. Taking multiple medications is more than just a logistical challenge. You also have a higher risk of one drug interfering with another (drug-drug interactions), medications you take interfering with food (drug-food interactions), and taking multiple medications to treat the same health condition (duplicate therapy). All these can cause health complications.  

Pharmacists watch for these medication-related problems any time you have a prescription filled, but in some cases, you may benefit from an extra review of your medications. In this blog, we’ll discuss how medication therapy management services can help you understand your medications and what to expect during these valuable appointments.

What Is Medication Therapy Management?

Medication therapy management (MTM) is designed to help you understand your medications and how to take them safely. You meet one-on-one with a pharmacist, who reviews your current prescriptions, along with any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. You can ask questions about your medications or discuss problems or concerns, and the pharmacist creates a personalized dosing schedule. They can even offer tips on saving money on your medications.

As part of an MTM program, pharmacists also consult with your medical providers to identify and reduce problems related to medications, including side effects and potential interactions.

“Medication therapy management gives patients dedicated time with a pharmacist to review their medications and ask questions,” said Thaiane Hensch, Director of Pharmacy Care Management at Essentia Health. “The pharmacist looks for side effects, medication interactions, or duplicate therapies, listens to the patient’s concerns, and works with their providers to make sure medications are safe, effective, and working as intended.”

Who Can Benefit From MTM Services

Anyone who takes multiple medications can benefit from MTM, but these services can be particularly helpful for people who –

• Experience side effects from medications
• Have difficulty taking medications as prescribed
• Manage one or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Take more than one prescription or over-the-counter medication

Your health care team may also recommend MTM services if you were recently hospitalized.

Your insurance plan may cover medication therapy management in some cases, so check with your insurance provider for details. Medicare, for example, covers MTM services as part of its Part D medication plans.

What Happens During an MTM Session

MTM sessions take place with an experienced pharmacist and typically last 30 to 40 minutes.  To make the most of your time, bring a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you take, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter products.

Here’s what to expect during your appointment.

Comprehensive Medication Review

First, your pharmacist will go over all the medications you take and create a personal medication record (PMR) for you. The pharmacist will review these medications carefully, looking for potential drug interactions, duplicate therapies, and incorrect dosages.

While reviewing your medications, your pharmacist will also talk with you about the medications to ensure you understand what you’re taking each drug for, how to take it, and the drug’s potential side effects.

Discussion About Your Health

After reviewing your medications, your pharmacist will ask you several questions about your health, any conditions you have, and your experience taking your medications. This will include questions about how you’re feeling and whether you’ve noticed improvement in your symptoms while taking your medications.

This part of the MTM appointment is a good opportunity to tell your pharmacist if you have symptoms you think may be side effects of your medications or challenges taking a medication as directed.

Recommended Actions

After reviewing information about your medications, how you’re taking them, and any side effects you’re experiencing, your pharmacist may suggest ways to improve your medication usage. In some cases, they may work with your medical provider to change a medication dosage or switch you to a different medication. They can also recommend tips and strategies to make taking your medications as directed easier.

At the end of your appointment, you’ll receive a personalized medication action plan that contains all their recommendations and outlines what you can do to get the most out of your medications.

You may only need a single MTM session, or your pharmacist may recommend follow-up sessions as part of your action plan.

Key Takeaways

Medication therapy management has three key goals –

• To identify any unnecessary or potentially dangerous prescriptions
• To make sure the medications you’re prescribed can help you meet your health goals
• To make sure you’re taking medications correctly

During an MTM session, a pharmacist will review your medications and discuss your experience taking them. They’ll create an action plan with recommendations for changes to medications or how you take them. You leave feeling more confident in your treatment plan and more empowered to take control of your health.

Our team of Essentia Health pharmacists can help you maximize the benefits of your medications. Learn more about our MTM services, or call 218-576-0130 to schedule an appointment.