The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy in Morgantown are expanding a program that connects patients with heart failure in rural communities to specialized cardiovascular care through local pharmacies.
The program now includes 22 pharmacists across 12 pharmacies in West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania, according to a July 31 news release. Participating pharmacists work directly with WVU Heart and Vascular Institute specialists and primary care providers to support medication management, patient education, adherence monitoring, immunization services and ongoing care between cardiology appointments.
The program was first developed in 2024. The initiative is designed to improve access to specialty heart failure care in rural areas, where patients often face long travel distances and limited availability of cardiovascular specialists. Pharmacists also help optimize guideline-directed medical therapy, identify adherence concerns and coordinate care with cardiology teams to reduce hospitalizations and worsening heart failure events.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.