Pharmacists
are the most frequented health care professional, placing us in a unique
position to assist physicians in caring for their patients. Very often,
we are asked to evaluate a skin rash, irritation, or abrasion to see if
medical care is warranted. Very similarly, our pharmacists have been trained
in physical assessment skills and often evaluate patient’s ears for
signs of wax, infection and/or fluid accumulation. We do not prescribe medications
based on our findings, but rather refer patients to their primary care physicians
for evaluation if the findings are not perfectly normal. If the situation
can be treated with an over-the-counter medication, these are often recommended,
but instruction is always given to consult with the patient’s physician
if symptoms do not subside or even get worse. This type of service is intended
to assist patients (by saving a trip to the physician when it is not necessary)
and physicians, as well (by freeing his/her time to see more seriously ill
patients). There is a nominal fee for this service, but the cost is usually
far offset by the peace of mind you get from knowing a health care provider
has evaluated your condition.
Pharmacists
are the most frequented health care professional, placing us in a unique
position to assist physicians in caring for their patients. Very often,
we are asked to evaluate a skin rash, irritation, or abrasion to see if
medical care is warranted. Very similarly, our pharmacists have been trained
in physical assessment skills and often evaluate patient’s ears for
signs of wax, infection and/or fluid accumulation. We do not prescribe medications
based on our findings, but rather refer patients to their primary care physicians
for evaluation if the findings are not perfectly normal. If the situation
can be treated with an over-the-counter medication, these are often recommended,
but instruction is always given to consult with the patient’s physician
if symptoms do not subside or even get worse. This type of service is intended
to assist patients (by saving a trip to the physician when it is not necessary)
and physicians, as well (by freeing his/her time to see more seriously ill
patients). There is a nominal fee for this service, but the cost is usually
far offset by the peace of mind you get from knowing a health care provider
has evaluated your condition. 
