Which statement about counseling at a remote telepharmacy site is true?

Which statement about counseling at a remote telepharmacy site is true?

• A. Counseling is optional and may be provided via voicemail
• B. The RPh shall offer to counsel the patient via video and/or audio link on all new prescriptions
• C. Counseling is required only for high-risk medications
• D. Counseling must be provided in-person

Answer: (B)

In telepharmacy, the pharmacist has to ensure the patient can receive counseling through real-time, two-way communication. This means offering to counsel the patient via video and/or audio link whenever a new prescription is dispensed at a remote site. Real-time interaction lets the patient ask questions and get explanations about how to use the medication, potential side effects, storage, and other essential information. Using voicemail or other asynchronous methods doesn’t provide the interactive guidance needed at the point of dispensing, and counseling isn’t limited to high-risk meds—it applies to all new prescriptions. Counseling doesn’t have to be in-person; the remote video or audio connection satisfies the requirement while still giving the patient access to the pharmacist.

In telepharmacy, the pharmacist has to ensure the patient can receive counseling through real-time, two-way communication. This means offering to counsel the patient via video and/or audio link whenever a new prescription is dispensed at a remote site. Real-time interaction lets the patient ask questions and get explanations about how to use the medication, potential side effects, storage, and other essential information. Using voicemail or other asynchronous methods doesn’t provide the interactive guidance needed at the point of dispensing, and counseling isn’t limited to high-risk meds—it applies to all new prescriptions. Counseling doesn’t have to be in-person; the remote video or audio connection satisfies the requirement while still giving the patient access to the pharmacist.