Expanding clinical impact: Specialty MTDM’s role in collaborative, patient-centered care
Authors: Susanne Burns, Amanda Popko, Allyson Hess and Allison Cebulko
Specialty MTDM continues to expand its clinical footprint through innovative partnerships and interdisciplinary care models that enhance patient access, optimize therapy and improve outcomes across a growing number of specialties. These initiatives demonstrate the critical role of pharmacists in advancing systemwide goals for quality, efficiency and patient-centered care, while also showcasing the value of collaborative care in complex therapeutic areas.
In dermatology, MTDM clinical pharmacists now co-manage patients on isotretinoin in close collaboration with dermatology providers. By integrating MTDM pharmacists into the care team, common barriers that delay treatment initiation have been removed, streamlining the patient's journey. Pharmacists ensure strict adherence to REMS protocols, provide detailed education on safety and adherence and increase prescription capture in Geisinger Pharmacy through a collaborative model with Geisinger retail. This pharmacist-led support not only improves operational efficiency, but also enhances patient understanding and engagement.
Specialty MTDM co-management of isotretinoin frees up dermatology providers to focus on new and complex cases, significantly improving patient access and clinic throughput.
In partnership with cardiology, MTDM launched a proactive lipid management program targeting patients at high risk for cardiovascular events who may benefit from advanced lipid-lowering therapy. Primary care teams identify eligible patients, who are then referred to a cardiology pharmacist for comprehensive medication management during the first year of therapy, under the guidance of a cardiology physician champion. Pharmacists provide longitudinal support by closely monitoring treatment, adjusting therapy to achieve lipid goals and offering consistent follow-up to reinforce adherence and address side effects. This approach not only accelerates initiation of appropriate therapy, but also allows timely specialty access without requiring multiple provider visits, reducing delays and improving continuity of care.
MTDM also introduced a nephrology clinical pharmacy program focused on highrisk hypertension. Pharmacists provide intensive management for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure, including remote monitoring and medication optimization.
This program enhances continuity of care, supports early intervention to prevent progression of kidney disease and strengthens collaboration between nephrology and pharmacy teams. Patients benefit from personalized medication plans and regular follow-up, which help improve outcomes and reduce complications.
These initiatives reflect MTDM’s commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care.
By expanding the role of pharmacists within specialty clinics, MTDM has increased clinical capacity, strengthened therapeutic management and improved provider access.
These programs illustrate how pharmacist-driven services can advance systemwide goals for quality, cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency while making sure patients receive timely, evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.
