Case Management

CMS looking to stamp out medication errors

Case Management Insider, October 27, 2015

Medication errors prompt many hospital readmissions and adverse events—and as a result are a big headache for many case managers. CMS is hoping to change that with a new program designed to help Medicare Part D users take their medication properly.

The initiative, called the Part D Enhanced Medication Therapy Management model, aims to:

  • Help patients take medications as prescribed
  • Ensure that beneficiaries get their needed medications, including high-cost drugs
  • Reduce instances where patients are taking two of the same medications, experience dangerous interactions, or are taking medications that aren’t effective for their condition
  • Improve communication between physicians, pharmacists, and patients and their caregivers


“Through this model, we are hopeful that Part D plans will invest in medication therapy management and identify new, effective strategies to optimize medication use and improve care coordination in Medicare,” said Patrick Conway, MD, MSc, CMS acting principal deputy administrator and chief medical officer.

The first step for CMS will be to test the model, a process that is set to start in January 2017. From there, officials will evaluate how the program performs for five years.

“Medication therapy management, when implemented effectively can improve health care and outcomes for patient and has the potential to lower overall health care costs,” according to a press release issued by CMS.

Testing will take place in a number of U.S. states including Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Sound like something your organization might want to take part in?

Click here for more information about the model.

CMS will accept applications for the Enhanced MTM via a Request for Applications, to be released shortly. Once released, application materials will be available online. 

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