But we recognize and value the trusted role that pharmacists play in the community, and their importance to patient care -- in particular to Medicare beneficiaries who need prescription medications.
The term "provider" is defined in Medicare regulations at 42 C.F.R, §400.202 and includes hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. That term does not include pharmacists. Moreover, the Medicare law specifically authorizes the health care providers who can bill and receive payment from Medicare.
There are many studies that show pharmacists improve outcomes such as the Asheville Project where pharmacists were able provide ambulatory care to diabetics. The overall costs of the diabetics came down to the level of patients with no disease state.