Mednow Inc. is supportive of the new expanded scope of practice for Ontario pharmacists. As of January 1st, pharmacists in Ontario are now able to better support patients by assessing and prescribing treatment for 13 minor conditions. These conditions include: hives, cold sores, urinary tract infections and pink eye, among others.

These services are available for patients with a valid Ontario health card. There is no out-of-pocket charge for patients as this initiative is publicly funded. The expanded scope of practice for Ontario pharmacists will allow Mednow to expand its virtual care program to include pharmacist-led prescribing.

The existing Nurse Practitioner led Mednow Virtual Care service has been issuing prescriptions where appropriate, ordering lab work and making referrals at no cost to Mednow patients. The interdisciplinary and digital first model of patient care has been successful in providing convenient and accessible care to the patients. Pharmacists prescribing for these minor ailments will provide not only improved team based care for the clients, but realizes cost savings in wages and open a new revenue stream into the existing built infrastructure for Mednow, who will be reimbursed under the Ontario Drug Benefits Program for these prescribing services.

This new service available at Mednow complements the recently announced pharmacist in-home medication cabinet clean up and medication review program. Mednow believes patients can receive amazing care in limited circumstances and as governments lean more and more on allied healthcare to help the stressed system, Mednow will be at the forefront of this evolution. Minor ailments can often be managed with self-care strategies and minimal treatment or follow-up required.

Pharmacists can offer timely services to patients, helping Ontarians avoid wait times.