Last week, ARTARx Pharmacy clients received an email outlining a new delivery policy that will be rolled out over the next several months. We want to reassure you that delivery service will not be ending, however, the process by which deliveries are approved is being updated to comply with new provincial regulations.
This update will require slight changes in procedure on both the pharmacist and client side, but we are committed to doing our best to streamline the transition and ensure a balance between client needs and provincial requirements.
What do the new regulations mean for delivery services?
According to the new policy, delivery services, where desired by the pharmacy client, must be offered as a supplement to in-person care rather than as a replacement. For those who are unable to travel due to issues related to mobility, transportation access, extreme weather, illness, or another specific situation, delivery as a primary aspect of care may be determined to be suitable.
What is considered in-person care?
In-person care can include regular medication pickup, counselling, immunization, travel consultation, medication care plan, or accessing other pharmacy programs and services. This means that you may be eligible for delivery as a supplement to in-person care that you are already be receiving. In these cases, nothing will change for you.
Regular in-person care must be documented by the pharmacy team to support the opportunity to provide delivery services. If it has been a long period since the last time you received in-person care, the pharmacy team will document and develop a plan for the next opportunity to complete an in-person assessment.
What if I am unable to facilitate in-person care?
ARTARx’s implementation of these new delivery standards are non-negotiable in order to maintain a pharmacy licence. We are dedicated to a balanced approach with implementing these new standards, working with each client to ensure they get the level of care they require, both now and further along in your health journey.
If you are not willing or able to support regular in-person assessments at the pharmacy, delivery assessment may be a challenge. ARTA and ARTARx would work with you to ensure that your pharmacy care is managed appropriately. This may result in transitioning you to a pharmacy provider that you would be able to be support you with in-person care. In addition, a change to your benefit plan selection may be appropriate to maintain health benefits coverage.
Still have questions?
Join us for an informative webinar hosted by our Director of Pharmacy Services, Yatin Patel, on Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m. where we will walk you through what these changes mean for you. We’ll explain:
- The new Standards of Virtual Care
- The growing focus on the importance of in-person care
- How eligibility for ARTARx delivery services will be determined
We will also be answering questions from participants. The webinar should provide clarity and help you understand how ARTARx is working within the new regulations to continue offering delivery services wherever possible.
It has always been ARTARx’s first priority to support the health and needs of our clients, and we appreciate your continued support as we navigate these changes together.