Physicians At the Helm: Leading the Care Team
ISMS President
Rodney S. Alford, M.D., M.B.A.
February 2, 2024
We all have a role to play when it comes to providing the best possible patient care – physicians, nurses, therapists, assistants, technicians, and pharmacists. Especially in rural and underserved areas of the state, where Illinois’ physician shortage can often be felt most acutely, our healthcare partners are valued allies in ensuring access to quality care for our diverse patient populations. Recent walkouts by pharmacists at major pharmacy national chains[i] pushing back against working conditions that jeopardize patient health and safety have exposed how profits have been prioritized over the welfare of patients.
Even as staffing challenges persist following the Covid-19 pandemic, pharmacists have been asked to shoulder an ever-increasing burden, with additional responsibilities in administering vaccines in addition to patient counseling and filling prescriptions. Long wait times have led to an increase in customer dissatisfaction and belligerent behavior. Despite these existing challenges, national pharmacy chains are lobbying to further expand their business model by introducing “test to treat.” This would improperly grant pharmacists the authority to diagnose, prescribe for, and treat a broad range of potentially serious health conditions beyond their training and education.
ISMS opposes “test to treat” practices at pharmacies and will oppose any proposed legislation that would allow its implementation in Illinois. While proponents emphasize the convenience of “test to treat,” this over-the-counter treatment is simply no substitute for comprehensive healthcare. One-off visits with a pharmacist would not provide an opportunity to offer follow-up care, nor do they begin to approximate the critical relationships patients have with their highly-trained primary care professionals and other physician specialists who treat chronic conditions, a key feature of which is having access to patients’ records to develop an appropriate treatment plan.. Pharmacies also fail to provide safe spaces to protect patient privacy. Pharmacists already report feeling overwhelmed and understaffed for their current responsibilities[ii]; “test to treat” would merely add to their existing burden.
Physicians are uniquely positioned to oversee patient care – no other healthcare professionals receive more training and education; physicians offer longitudinal continuity of care; and critically, our carefully cultivated physician/patient relationships give us unique insight into the concerns of our patients. We must not allow national chain pharmacies to pursue policies that will pursue shareholder profits at the expense of patient well-being.
ISMS will continue to fight against proposed expansions of scope of practice that threaten to endanger patient safety. Protecting physicians’ leadership role in the healthcare team is the best way to ensure that patients receive the care they deserve. It is always important for your lawmakers to hear from you on the differences between a medical education and the training of other health professionals. Visit our Grassroots Action Center to learn how you can reach out to your legislators and share your concerns about “test to treat” and issues of concern to Illinois physicians.