Several ACOs which participated in the study are beginning to track cost offsets due to medication optimization, though more comprehensive strategies are hindered by the lack of reimbursement for pharmacists’ services, poor technology interoperability, and the difficulty of isolating and evaluating the cost savings associated with better medication use practices.

Some ACOs have found creative ways to address these obstacles, according to the study. For example, in one system, all of the ACO’s providers contributed to the investment in pharmacists so that no one entity had to bear the full cost burden. Other ACOs, instead of waiting for data from payers, are implementing pilot projects that involve practices to optimize medication use and are gathering data on cost savings and/or improved outcomes.

As health care reimbursement continues to shift to value-based contracting, the optimization of medication use will be integral to achieving what the Institute for Healthcare Improvement has coined the “Triple Aim” -- the health care industry’s goal to improve the individual experience of care and the health of the population, while at the same time reducing per capita costs for care.

“Policies that remove barriers to or incentivize integration of practices to optimize medication use practices -- and integrate pharmacists into care delivery -- are likely to improve medication use in ACOs, which should enhance achievement of the Triple Aim,’” the study’s authors write.