At OSF HealthCare, our pharmacists do much more than dispense medications. Because they often work behind the scenes, many patients might not be aware of the work our pharmacists do every day on their behalf.
The work of pharmacists in OSF HealthCare hospitals includes:
Each patient admitted to an OSF HealthCare hospital will have their chart reviewed by a pharmacist each day.
A pharmacist, whose expertise is in medication management, will review their medications and make recommendations to providers to change, start or stop a medication when that’s what is best for that individual patient.
Pharmacists participate in interdisciplinary rounds at OSF HealthCare. During rounding, all members of the care team – doctors, nurses, therapists and pharmacists – discuss each patient and their plan of care.
Pharmacists at OSF HealthCare make a point to educate any patient taking an oral anticoagulant. Anticoagulants, also called blood thinners, are invaluable medications for managing certain conditions and health risks.
While anticoagulants are used to help decrease risk of heart attack and stroke, they also come with increased risk for bleeding and hemorrhaging.
Because of the seriousness of these potential side effects, our pharmacists take the time to personally meet with patients to educate them about how to safely take these medications.
Pharmacists also meet with and educate patients taking other medications as needed.
Filling your prescriptions after a hospital stay can be difficult. At OSF HealthCare, the Meds to Beds program is designed to take the hassle out of getting your prescriptions filled.
If you are a patient in the hospital, simply tell your nurse you would like to use the Meds to Beds program and a pharmacy tech will deliver your prescription(s) to your bedside before you leave the hospital.
They can even accept your payment via cash, check or credit card.
Future refills can be mailed directly to your home. Just call the pharmacy or order a refill online.
This program is currently available at the following OSF hospitals:
Our Specialty Medication program can help patients with complex medical conditions.
Pharmacy staff will help you understand how to take your medications and manage side effects. They can also assist you in getting proper authorizations for specialized or high-cost medications.
Patients benefitting from this service may have one of the following conditions: