Legislation has been proposed that would permit pharmacists to diagnose and treat influenza and strep at community pharmacies, using point-of-care tests by the Food and Drug Administration, potentially giving patient an improved care experience while also prompting them to take on a greater role in managing their own health.
Florida TaxWatch, an independent government watchdog organization, has released the results of an independent economic analysis on point-of-care testing and treatment of influenza and streptococcus and found that is cost-effective among other benefits.
In 2017, Floridians made more than 8.9 million Emergency Department visits, at a total cost of more than $54.6 billion, says TaxWatch, noting the Agency for Health Care Administration reported 250,197 emergency room visits for streptococcus and 83,129 emergency room visits for influenza during fiscal year 2017-18. Point-of-care test kits range from $18 to $24.50, the organization added, meaning $46.9 million could been saved for every 10 percent of the patient population were given the test and treatment at a pharmacy instead of an emergency room.
Studies have highlighted the public’s readiness to access point-of-care services in community pharmacies, as well as the ability of pharmacists to expedite the management of treatment of patients with influenza and Group-A Streptococcus. Many of the patients tested and treated had no primary care physician and many visited the pharmacy outside of normal clinic office hours.
“The 2017-18 influenza season was one of the deadliest in more than four decades,” said Senate bill sponsor Senator Jeff Brandes in a prepared statement. “Making point of care testing cost-effective and easily accessible will get Floridians the help they need as soon as possible.”
