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Primary Care Pharmacists

The pharmacist on your clinical team

Pharmacists do more at CHA. We work with you directly to improve your health. 

CHA pharmacists are nationally recognized leaders in pharmacy care. We were one of the first to add pharmacists to your care team.

Why See a Primary Care Pharmacist?

They can help you:

  • Understand your health and the drugs you’re taking
  • Make sure your drugs are working
  • Help change your dosages to improve your outcomes and quality of life
  • On-going goal setting with your care team
  • Prevent negative drug reactions
  • Show you the best way to take your medications
  • Oversee high risk medications using evidence-based standards and protocols
  • Find less expensive drug therapy plans

Talk with your primary care provider to find out if a CHA pharmacist can help you improve your health.

Our Services:

  • Anticoagulation Services
    If you have blood clots or are at risk of getting them, you may need to take an anticoagulant. There are several types of medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots. You may have heard of Warfarin, which has been in use for many years. There are also newer drugs called direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like Eliquis or Xarelto. 
    Which Medication is Right for You?

    Your CHA care team pharmacist can help make the best selection for you, based on your health needs and the costs or copays with your insurance. The pharmacist will teach you about the medications you use and what to expect while taking them. 

    Regular Monitoring to Keep you Safe

    Anticoagulation medications have different ways of being monitored. We check with patients to see if they are experiencing any side effects or if they are having trouble taking the medicine. We also check some laboratory tests periodically to see if any changes are needed.  

    For Warfarin, you need regular tests to measure how your body is responding to the medicine. CHA has point-of-care testing at our care centers which allows you to get:

    • Rapid results and repeat tests, if irregular
    • Immediate dosage changes, if needed
    • Improved quality of care
    • Written instructions and verbal instructions
    • Information about drug or diet interactions
    • Strong communication between you and your care team
    Telephone Management Service

    If you have trouble getting to your appointments, you might be able to use the Telephone Management Service. This program is for people who can test themselves at home, may be homebound, may be receiving VNA care, can get their lab work done at another CHA lab, or are temporarily unable to come to their primary clinic.

    If you qualify, you will be provided with your own machine and testing supplies. You will be trained on how to test your International Normalized Ratio (INR) and report your results to your provider. You will receive immediate dosing direction and planned follow up care if necessary.

    For More Information

    Please speak with your primary care provider about whether you need anticoagulant treatment and if you’re eligible for the Telephone Management Service.

    If you are a CHA patient taking an anticoagulant and you need help, please call 617-806-8542. Your on-call pharmacist is available 7 days a week.

  • Diabetes Management

    CHA offers many options to improving health and reducing risk factors to prevent you from getting diabetes. Your primary care provider is here to help.

    If you have diabetes, we help you find the approach that works best for you. You’re at the center of our diabetes management team, along with your primary care team, pharmacist, nurses, nutritionists, endocrinologists and more. We work together to meet your care needs.

    Specially Trained Providers

    The CHA Diabetes Management team is trained in diabetes counseling, medication management and education. They help you connect with any specialty services to help you keep your blood levels under control. Whether it’s through weight management or medication management, our team can improve your health.

    How We Help

    Depending on your medications, your pharmacist can:

      • Teach you how to use your glucose monitor
      • Teach you how to use insulin and other medications
      • Manage your medications by decreasing or increasing dosages depending on your need
      • Help you reach positive outcomes through education, medication management and goal setting
      • Diabetes Technology Services
        • Continuous glucose monitoring
        • Remote management
        • Coordinate insulin pump application
        • Access in primary care and Endocrinology specialty clinics
        • Optimize medication regimen and assess cost/best fit for patient
        • Coordination of care
        • Support at any stage of diabetes

    Ask your primary care provider about the diabetes management services at your CHA Care Center.

  • Other Services
    • High Blood Pressure Management
    • Lipids Management
    • Respiratory Disease Management
    • Infectious Disease Management
    • Immunizations/Travel Health Management
    • Falls Prevention
    • Smoking Cessation
    • Complex Drug Therapy Management

    Specialty Service Support:

    • Chronic pain management
    • Behavioral health
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Manage your health in primary care with a pharmacist

CHA pharmacists are a part of your healthcare team in primary care. They can help you manage a chronic disease, complicated medications, or answer questions about your prescriptions. Find out how they can help keep you healthy.

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