Pharmaceutical care

Practice in which the pharmaceutical care practitioner takes responsibility for all of a patient’s drug-related needs and is held accountable for this commitment. It is care that a patient requires and receives, which ensures safe and rational drug usage.

pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)

Company under contract with managed care organizations, self-insured companies, and government programs to manage pharmacy network management, drug utilization review, outcomes management, and disease management. The goal is to save money. For example, a pharmacy benefit manager may fill drug prescriptions by mail order as part of a corporate health insurance plan. Also called a pharmacy benefit management organization or prescription benefit manager (PBM).

Pharmacy claim

Formal request for payment (bill) generated because of an insured’s purchase of prescription drugs dispensed by a pharmacist from a physician’s written instructions (prescription form).