SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper Supermarkets has deployed a clinical decision-support solution that’s expediting information access for its pharmacists in providing medication therapy management (MTM) and other services.

The food and drug chain, which has pharmacies in 68 of its 119 stores in the Northeast, has implemented Micromedex evidence-based solutions for drug and disease reference, patient education and consumer health information as part of its patient-centered care initiatives, according to Thomson Reuters, provider of the technology.

For example, the Micromedex reference solutions help drive Price Chopper’s MTM program, Thomson Reuters said. Through the service, the chain’s pharmacists provide one-on-one, face-to-face medication counseling to patients and communicate with prescribers to identify issues, ensure accurate dosing and give instructions on correct medication use.

Micromedex reference data and patient education monographs are readily accessible to Price Chopper pharmacy staff from within their dispensing system, enabling speedy access to the answers they need without disrupting their workflow.

"Price Chopper is very committed to positively affecting patient outcomes," Price Chopper pharmacist Alisha Roberts said in a statement. "By using Micromedex content, our pharmacists feel confident they are providing the highest-quality, clinically consistent care."

The retailer also uses the Micromedex Consumer Health Solution on its web portal to provide customers with evidence-based drug information, Thomson Reuters said. The solution provides pill images and covers adverse drug interactions, alternative medicines and general health, nutrition and disease topics.

"We are pleased to provide this extensive online resource in conjunction with our ‘Healthy U’ wellness initiatives to drive consumer participation in their health," commented Kathleen Bryant, director of pharmacy at Price Chopper. "With this tool, our customers can confidently take an active role in managing their own health and wellness, as well as that of their family members."

Each Price Chopper pharmacy location fills between 300 and 2,000 prescriptions per week, Thomson Reuters reported. The Schenectady, N.Y.-based chain has stores in New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.