Help your patients with medication adherence

This is part of an ongoing series of articles focusing on the tools and resources available to help FEP^® members manage their health.

An estimated 50% of patients prescribed a medication don’t take it as ordered, according to the American Medical Association.

When patients adhere to their medication plan, it reduces the patient’s overall health care costs by helping them avoid adverse events — particularly important for patients with a chronic condition. However, as you know, helping patients who have asthma, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and other chronic conditions adhere to their medication regimen can be a challenge.   

An AMA STEPS Forward™ module** on medication adherence was developed in 2015 to help physicians improve their patient’s adherence. The module lists eight steps to help improve medication adherence:

• Consider medication nonadherence first as a reason a patient’s condition isn’t under control.
• Develop a process for routinely asking patients about medication adherence.
• Create a shame/blame-free environment to discuss medications with patients.
• Try to identify the root cause of why a patient isn’t taking his or her medicine.
• Respond positively to the patient when he or she shares an experience.
• Tailor the adherence solution to the needs of the individual patient.
• Involve the patient in developing a treatment plan.
• Provide the patient with steps for success.

An AMA article, “8 reasons patients don’t take their medications,”** further discusses the reasons for medication nonadherence.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program^® Service Benefit Plan supports members with resources for medication adherence, including:

• Online Personal Health Record, available through a member account at fepblue.org** or the MyBlue^® app, helps keep track of medical history and prescriptions.
• The Nurse Line at 1-888-258-3432 is available 24/7 for questions about health-related issues, including medications.
• The Coordinated Care Program at 1-800-775-BLUE (2583) is available for support in coordinating care to manage health conditions, including medications, at home.

If you or a member has questions about support services and benefits, call Customer Service at 1-800-482-3600.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.