Pharmacists Colocated With Primary Care Physicians: Teaming Up for Patient Access

Authors: Emily M. Hawes, PharmD, BCPS, CPP | Evan Galloway, MPS | Cristen P. Page, MD, MPH | Mary Roth McClurg, PharmD, MHS | Brianna Lombardi, PhD, MSW

Topics: Emerging Models and Innovations, Integration and Collaboration, Primary Care, Scope of Practice (SOP)

Research Center: Carolina Health Workforce Research Center

February 6, 2023

Despite evidence supporting the integration of pharmacists in team-based primary care, little evidence exists on the colocation of pharmacists with primary care physicians (PCPs) in the United States and even less information exists on the factors associated with these models in primary care. Increasing the colocation of pharmacists and PCPs gives practitioners greater ability to meet the patient’s healthcare needs at the point of care. However, integrated health care delivery models may be less present in rural and underserved areas and in states with restricted pharmacist scope of practice, potentially contributing to unequal access to this model of care.

This brief investigates the prevalence of colocation of pharmacists with PCPs and examines the factors associated with colocation, including geographic location.

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