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Log in to My Covenant HealthLocal pharmacies to deliver prescriptions to hospital bedside
August 2024 – Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System has partnered with four local pharmacies to launch its “Meds-to-Beds” medication delivery program. The program will enable patients to choose a participating pharmacy and have prescription medications delivered to their hospital bedside before being discharged from the hospital.
Upon delivery of the medication, patients will receive education from a pharmacy team member about their medication and the importance of proper medication adherence. Research has shown that patients who received medication counseling are less likely to be readmitted within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
“Taking medications as prescribed once the patient is home is an important part of their recovery,” said Lisa Kelley, DNP, RN, vice president and chief nursing officer of Morristown-Hamblen. “Patients who understand their medication regimen and take it as prescribed are less likely to have to come back to the hospital for additional care.”
Morristown-Hamblen is dedicated to putting patients first and improving the health of the community. The Meds-to-Beds program offers a convenient option for patients to receive new or updated prescription medications that are an important part of their recovery. Partnering with local pharmacies allows patients to avoid an additional stop on the way home and receive personalized medication counseling.
The four pharmacies participating in the program include:
“Working with four local pharmacies is meaningful because it is an example of the community taking care of the community,” said Kelley. “Locally owned pharmacies have a vested interest in the community, just as the hospital does. The pharmacy owners have shown that they care about the community’s wellbeing.”
“This is a great opportunity for everyone involved,” said Ryan Kragel, PharmD, owner of Crescent Center Drugs and Morristown Pharmacy. “This program will help increase patient compliance, reduce hospital re-admittance rates and improve patient outcomes – it’s a win-win for everyone.”
“We are excited about this partnership because we believe that a person’s health is significantly improved if they are able to follow the medication regimen for 30 days that was established while they were in the hospital,” said Chad Huntsman, PharmD, BEng, owner of College Park Pharmacy and Howard’s Pharmacy. “As an independent community pharmacy, our goal is to be the trusted partner for the community, and this partnership demonstrates that.”
The program is available to all inpatients Monday through Friday. Co-pays for the medication will be due upon delivery.
Patients are encouraged to speak with their nurse if they are interested in participating in the program. More information is available on the Meds-to-Beds website.
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Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Covenant Health is a community-owned, healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers.