New Brunswick Medicare is now covering more services provided by pharmacists, in a bid to improve access to primary care.
New Brunswick Medicare is now covering more services provided by pharmacists, in a bid to improve access to primary care.
Effective immediately, patients can seek care at a participating pharmacy, instead of a doctor's office or after-hours clinic, for contact allergic dermatitis, cold sores, mild to moderate eczema, gastroesophageal reflux disease, impetigo, lyme disease prevention after a high-risk tick bite, and mild acne. Health Minister Bruce Fitch says there are about 80,000 visits to physicians each year for these minor ailments. "So we're freeing up 80,000 appointments, basically for another more complicated ailment that the doctors would be available for," he said.
About $300,000 has been allocated in this year's budget for pharmacists to assess and prescribe for these, Fitch said. Patients will still be responsible for the cost of any medications prescribed for these ailments, as well as any fees for injections provided by pharmacy professionals.
