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Care Team Pharmacists

The pharmacist on your care 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 Care Team 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
  • Diabetes Education Class

    The Diabetes Education class is now accepting new members! This one-hour class meets virtually as a 2 class series and aims to provide education in a structured, supportive group environment to discuss living with diabetes. This group will empower members to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and give the basic information to participate in their medical decision making. Members will be educated on medications used to treat diabetes and beneficial lifestyle changes through diet and exercise. 

    For: English speaking patients with a diganosis of diabetes

    Join this Group


    Basic expectations for all group members:

    • Keep the group a safe and confidential space
    • Be on time or let the team know if you will be absent/late
    • Be respectful of each other
    • Be able to speak the language of the group
    • Apply the learned knowledge to your life

    Note: group visits are medical visits that are billed to your insurance. Some insurances may require a co-pay for these visits. Please check with your insurance if you have any questions

  • Hypertension Education Class

    The Hypertension Education class is now accepting new members! This one-hour class meets virtually and aims to provide education in a structured, supportive group environment to discuss living with hypertension. This group will empower members to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and give the basic information to participate in their medical decision making. Members will be educated on medications used to treat hypertension and beneficial lifestyle changes through diet and exercise. 

    For: English speaking patients with a diganosis of hypertension

    Join this Group


    Basic expectations for all group members:

    • Keep the group a safe and confidential space
    • Be on time or let the team know if you will be absent/late
    • Be respectful of each other
    • Be able to speak the language of the group
    • Apply the learned knowledge to your life

    Note: group visits are medical visits that are billed to your insurance. Some insurances may require a co-pay for these visits. Please check with your insurance if you have any questions

    Click here to learn more about hypertension.

Manage your health in primary care with a pharmacist

CHA pharmacists are a part of your healthcare team in primary care. They work with primary care and specialists in the outpatient setting and as well as in transition of 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.

Our medication experts are here to help

Pharmacist hands stocking medications

Retail Pharmacists

Provide you with the medications ordered by your care team

Give routine vaccinations, like flu or COVID shots

Explain how to use medications and side effects

Provide access to specialty medications

Medication Therapy Management - help you get the most from your medicines

Identify potential drug interactions

Learn more about our Retail Pharmacy

Pharmacist interacting with a customer across the counter

Specialty Pharmacists

Experts in medications that treat complex health needs

Explain to you how to take your medications

Monitor your health and check for any side effects

Send reminders when refills are due

Coordinate changes in your medication routine

Help with insurance claims and financial assistance

Learn more about our Specialty Pharmacy

Pharmacist taking a patients blood pressure, just an image of their arms.

Care Team Pharmacists

Create/improve your medication plan to fit your health needs

Show you how to take medications and monitor your health

Make sure medicines are working and reduce risks of drug reactions

Oversee the use of high-risk medications

Work with you and your care team to set health goals

Help you find less expensive medications, as appropriate

Learn more about your Care Team Pharmacist

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