Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2010 -- A new study reveals a healthy relationship with your pharmacist will keep you, well, healthy.

It will also save money.

It’s all based on Medication Therapy Management. That’s when pharmacists and physicians work together to review patient profiles and decide on treatment plans. Pharmacists advised patients on how to take their medications and recommended lower-cost treatment options, such as over-the-counter medications. These efforts not only improved patient’s health, they were even found to decrease prescription drug costs for the North Carolina Medicaid program.

The study was conducted by the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh based Kerr Drug. It was supported by a grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation Researchers reviewed the cases of 88 patients enrolled in North Carolina’s Medicaid program from 2006-2007. The analysis showed patients’ health improved through pharmacist counseling. The study also found the MTM services helped the North Carolina Medicaid program save on average $9,444 annually – an average cost savings of $107 per beneficiary.

“Medication therapy management is more than just filling a prescription, it’s about helping patients completely understand their medications,” says Anthony Civello, Chairman and CEO of Kerr Drug. “Our pharmacists provide personal health services and teach patients how to follow a medication regimen, recommend lower-cost medication alternatives and recognize potential harmful drug interactions.”

Surveys show many Americans don’t understand their health information with as many as one in four Americans (roughly 75 million people) not following directions when taking prescription medications. The New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI) estimates that medication-related problems, including patients not taking medications in the right ways, adds up to roughly $290 billion dollars annually in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, doctor visits, and other forms of preventable care.

The study is titled “Retrospective analysis of community pharmacists’ recommendations in the North Carolina Medicaid medication therapy management program” and was published in the May/June 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.

About Kerr Drug
Kerr Drug is one of the most recognized and respected names in the chain drug industry. With its roots in the Carolinas and headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., Kerr Drug's strategic direction is founded in its unique ability to provide patients, the medical community, and health plans access to the most comprehensive and convenient health and wellness offering in the industry. With a mission to be the most comprehensive provider of pharmacy and related healthcare services, while continuing to be the most reliable provider of health-related and convenience items, Kerr is currently providing services that far exceed the traditional drug store mix. For more information, please visit http:/www.kerrdrug.com.

About The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that serves as the education, research and charitable affiliate of NACDS. The NACDS Foundation seeks to improve the health and wellness of the people in America. It utilizes education, research, and charitable involvement to help people improve their health and quality of life through an understanding of medication therapy and the importance of taking medications appropriately. For more information, please visit http://www.NACDSFoundation.org.