Monday, May 21, 2012

A Home Medicines Review (HMR) provides an opportunity for patients living in the community to benefit from a team approach to their care. Through improving understanding and compliance, a medication review can optimize patients' benefit from their medication regimen and reduce the risk of medication mishaps.

MBS Item 900 provides for GPs to refer for an HMR to a patient’s preferred community pharmacy, (or from October 1 2011, directly to an accredited pharmacist). The referral allows an accredited pharmacist to comprehensively review the patient’s medication during a home visit. A report is provided to the GP who develops a medication management plan in consultation with the patient.

Who is eligible for an HMR?

People living in the community who have Quality Use of Medicines concerns are eligible to receive an HMR. An HMR cannot be provided more than once per year unless there has been a significant change in medication regimen or patient’s circumstances. The potential need for an HMR can be identified by the GP, or by receipt of advice from the patient, carer, or another health professional including a pharmacist.

Situations likely to place people at higher risk of medication related problems include:
Recent Discharge from hospital
Taking 5 or more regular medications or taking 12 or more doses per day
Recent changes to medication regimen
Medications with a low therapeutic index
Poor compliance or difficulties with therapeutic devices (glucose monitors, inhalers)
Patients attending multiple prescribers


Consider the Benefits of HMR

For GPs:

Comprehensive, up-to-date information about all the medicines, complementary products, devices and other prescriptions being used by your patients at home
MBS Item 900 payment is received for work previously attracting no payment
Time is saved on in-office medication reviews


For Your Patients:

  • Support
          Assistance with medications/aids/devices to improve compliance
          Early detection and management of medicine-related problems
  • Education
          HMR helps patients to understand their medicines
          Enhances patients’ ability to manage medicines appropriately
  • Satisfaction
          94% of patients surveyed rated their experiences with HMR as ‘excellent’.


How can the GP Network QUM Program assist?

‘HMR Tutorial’ visits for GPs and Practice Staff
Assistance with referral templates on prescribing software
Integration with other programs such as Chronic Disease Management (CDM) items on MBS, hospital discharge procedures, and other QUM activities.
Support for the related MBS Item 903 for Residential Medication Management Review in Aged Care Facilities

Department of Veterans Affairs Dose Administration Aid Service (DVA DAA)
The DVA DAA service provides a Dose Administration Aid (eg Webster Pack) at no cost to veterans living in the community. An HMR is strongly recommended prior to initiating this service.
DVA overview of the DVA DAA Service
GP Summary Guide describing steps for accessing DVA DAA service for patients 
Veteran's Six Montly Review (VSMR) Form for Pharmacies



HMR Help for GPs, Practice Staff and Pharmacists

Home Medicines Reviews - a brief guide to the process for HMRs
HMR Tutorial Request
How to find HMR referral template on Medical Director 
Medicare Australia - About HMR
MBS Business Rules for Item 900 HMR
MBS Business Rules for Item 903 Collaborative RMMR


Consumer Brochures

Order from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia by email:

mmr.program@guild.org.au