If you’re managing a health condition, you might be taking multiple medications which can feel confusing – particularly if it’s a new diagnosis. But by knowing more about the medicines you’ve been prescribed you can increase your confidence in using them, help to reduce any potential risks and support improved health outcomes. This is where a MedsCheck can help.

What is a MedsCheck?

A MedsCheck is where you have one-on-one time with a pharmacist to discuss and review the medicines you’re using. It’s a great way to learn more about your medications and how to manage them in the best way.

A Diabetes MedsCheck focuses specifically on helping people with type 2 diabetes to understand their diabetes medicine and self-monitoring devices, and improve their blood glucose levels, which can help to reduce the risk of developing complications.

Your MedsCheck or Diabetes MedsCheck can be done by a Registered Pharmacist in participating pharmacies.

What’s the benefit?

A MedsCheck or Diabetes MedsCheck can help you increase your knowledge about your medicines, address any problems you might have with them and help you to understand the best way to use and store them. A MedsCheck can be useful for lots of reasons, including if you:

• have recently been discharged from hospital
• have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
• see more than one doctor or specialist
• have recently changed medicine(s)
• are taking several medications
• would like more confidence in understanding your medicines (or monitoring devices)
• have a chronic or mental health condition
• feel unwell after taking your medicine.

Am I eligible for a MedsCheck?

To be eligible for a MedsCheck, you need to:

• hold a Medicare and/or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card;
• have not received a MedsCheck, Diabetes MedsCheck, Home Medicines Review (HMR) or Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) in the last 12 months;
• be living at home in a community setting; and
• be taking five or more prescription medicines or have had a recent significant medical event (e.g. a new diagnosis that may impact you taking your medicine) or take a medication associated with a high risk of adverse events.

To be eligible for a Diabetes MedsCheck, you need to:

• hold a Medicare and/or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card;
• have not received a MedsCheck, Diabetes MedsCheck, Home Medicines Review (HMR) or Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) in the last 12 months;
• be living at home in a community setting;
• be unable to gain timely access to existing diabetes education/health services in your community (e.g unsuitable appointment availability, nearest diabetes education/health service too far, or unable to access transport); and
• have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (in the last 12 months) or have less than ideally controlled type 2 diabetes.

How do I book a MedsCheck?

The first step is to ask your pharmacist if they participate in the program. If they do, your pharmacist will then:

• assess your eligibility to receive a MedsCheck or Diabetes MedsCheck
• get your consent (they’ll give you a consent form to sign)
• ask you to bring all your prescriptions and current medicines to the appointment
• check the medicines you’ve brought in against the pharmacy dispensing records
• talk to you about your medical conditions and any allergies you have
• teach you how to store and take your medicines correctly
• develop and provide you with a copy of an accurate medicine list and action plan
• agree follow-up actions (that may include contacting your doctor or other healthcare professional and providing them with a copy of the medicine list and action plan)
• collect personal information from you so the pharmacy can claim a payment from the government.

Do I have to pay for a MedsCheck?

No, the programs are funded by the government so you won’t be charged by the pharmacy for a MedsCheck or Diabetes MedsCheck.

Do I still need to pay for medicines if I have a MedsCheck?

Yes, the government pays for the appointment with the pharmacist but you’ll need to pay for your medicines as normal.

Can I book or plan a MedsCheck for someone else?

Yes in certain circumstances you can book for others, including if you’re the parent/guardian of a child or have Enduring Guardianship or Enduring Power of Attorney. Ask your pharmacist for more info.

Your privacy

The Department of Health and Aged Care is responsible for auditing the MedsChecks and Diabetes MedsChecks programs. Participating pharmacists must:

• get written consent from you (or your carer) before doing the MedsCheck or Diabetes MedsCheck
• conduct the appointment face-to-face and in an area of the pharmacy that’s separate from its retail area (so your privacy and confidentiality are protected)
• keep all relevant records and notes for seven years after the MedsCheck or Diabetes MedsCheck has taken place.

Read more about taking an active role in your healthcare.

Sources:
MedsCheck and Diabetes Medscheck - Pharmacy Programs Administrator (ppaonline.com.au)
MedsCheck-Patient-Information-and-Consent.pdf (ppaonline.com.au)