In 2024, your pharmacy probably already offers the basics: point-of-care testing, immunizations, chronic care management, and more.

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These clinical services are the foundation for many pharmacies, helping you improve your patients’ health journeys and open up new revenue streams for your pharmacy.

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In the last few years, many states have passed legislation to allow pharmacists to bill for Medicare-covered clinical services. By extension, they’ve encouraged pharmacies to explore new, innovative services.

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But there’s more to clinical services than shots and strep tests — and with the right team and technology, you can implement these services in your pharmacy in 2024.

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1. Pharmacogenomics

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Patient care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and now more than ever, patients want treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. One of the best ways you can meet the demand is to offer pharmacogenomic testing.

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Pharmacogenomics considers how a patient’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications. For example, some patients will respond well to a particular medication, while others may experience adverse reactions or not respond at all — but this insight isn’t available ahead of time, unless you use testing.

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Pharmacogenomics, then, can give you the tools to choose the best medication for each patient.

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Pharmacogenomic testing also offers a chance to grow your revenue. PBA Health estimates that pharmacogenomics can increase a pharmacy’s revenue by $8,500 per month, with room to grow.

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Several vendors offer pharmacogenomics testing, including Alpha Genomix, Rxight, and RxGenomix. If you’re interested in pharmacogenomics, look to these resources:

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2. Hormone Health Consultations

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Hormones are a key component to health, especially as we age — and many patients are looking to optimize their hormonal health. Your pharmacy is well-positioned to work alongside endocrinologists and other providers to help patients reach these goals.

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A comprehensive hormone health consultation is more than just a one-time assessment; it’s an ongoing process with a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

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This plan should take into account specific hormonal imbalances, menopausal or andropausal symptoms, and each patient’s health goals.

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It may involve a combination of lifestyle modifications, nutritional recommendations, and, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tailored to the patient's needs.

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It may also mean recommending hormone-free or natural alternatives, for patients who may be at a higher risk of complications from HRT.

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Resources for pharmacists interested in hormone health consultations include:

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3. Travel Vaccines

If you already have an immunization program up and running, you should consider expanding into travel vaccines.

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Many vaccines — like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis — are recommended (or even required) for international travel. Your pharmacy can be a faster, easier, and more convenient way for patients to get these vaccines.

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You can create referral networks from local physicians, local and state health departments, and travel agencies to expand your program. If you’re interested in travel vaccines, look to these resources:

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4. Neurocognitive Services

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Pharmacists are often focused on the body — but you should also focus on the brain.

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Pharmacists are well-equipped to help patients — especially aging populations and those with neurodegenerative diseases — optimize their cognitive functions.

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Neurocognitive services may include everything from cognitive function analyses to medication optimization to creating personalized treatment plans that involve cognitive exercises, brain training, and stress management for patients.

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As with any consultative service, you can bill for neurocognitive services as a cash service and increase your revenue. Learn more about neurocognitive pharmacy services with these resources:

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Conclusion

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Clinical services are one of the best to expand your scope of practice and get paid for it in the process.

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While services like vaccines, testing, and chronic care management will continue to be a staple for many pharmacies, consider adding a new and innovative clinical care offering in 2024.

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These services, along with countless others, can allow you to reach specific patient populations and get the word out about your other services. It’s a win for you and your patients.

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If you’re looking to start a new service this year, you’ll need time, training, and as always, a reliable pharmacy software system that can help you implement your new service.

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Not sure which software to choose? Our Compare Software page can help you get started.

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When it comes to clinical services, there’s no service too niche. Find what your community needs, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

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