A recent deal between pharmacists and the provincial government is a step in the right direction, says Chris Aingworth, pharmacy manager at Sundre Community Drug Mart.
The agreement between the province, the Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA) and Alberta Blue Cross will inject new funding to compensate pharmacists for expanded services.
The four-year deal, effective April 1, includes about $55 million that will be invested into pharmacy services outside dispensing drugs, said Health Minister Fred Horne during a press conference on Feb. 11.
ìIt is positive that they actually have decided to talk, which is what we wanted in the first place,î said Aingworth.
ìSo I mean it's a step in the right direction.
ìIt is a stable deal as well. So at least we know we've got some kind of stability. Because that was the other issue with all these changes, is they just threw it in our face and there was no consultation whatsoever.î
Horne said the deal recognizes the greater role pharmacies play in health care, including renewing prescriptions, administering flu shots, counselling people trying to quit smoking and medication management for diabetics.
Compensation for these services will vary from $20 to $100, rates that have been in effect since July 2012.
Another change to pharmacy service is the new flat dispensing fee, regardless of drug cost. Before, the province had a multi-levelled system with an adjustable fee.
The fee will be capped at $12.30. Currently the rate ranges from just over $10 to over $20.
ìIt's mildly more positive for us, but I don't know if it's going to be enough at this stage. The damage has really been done,î said Aingworth.
ìI know the flat fee will benefit in some instances and then in other instances we're obviously going to lose.î
Once ratified by more than 1,000 RxA members, it will be the first update to the Alberta Pharmacy Agreement since 2003.
Horne said a memorandum of understanding establishes RxA as the authority for pharmacists in Alberta, which he says will ensure better coordination of provincewide programs such as administering flu shots.
