When is counseling required to be performed by pharmacists?

Counseling by pharmacists is a critical aspect of medication management and patient safety. It is required in the context of all new prescription orders and changes to ensure that patients understand their medications, including indications, administration, and potential side effects. This counseling is particularly important for new prescriptions because it allows pharmacists to provide essential information that patients may not receive otherwise, and to clarify any questions or concerns the patient may have.

In addition, when a patient's medication is changed, whether due to a different dosage, formulation, or a new medication altogether, counseling ensures that the patient is informed about how the change might affect their treatment and what to expect. This proactive approach can help prevent medication errors, enhance adherence to therapy, and promote overall health outcomes.

Focusing only on complex medications, refill prescriptions, or at the patient's request would not capture the complete essence of the pharmacist’s role in patient education. While counseling on complex medications is important, effective counseling should not be limited by complexity; it should encompass all new prescriptions and changes to provide comprehensive care.