Billing Deprescribing Interventions: Portrait of an Initiative in Québec, Canada

Abstract

Background

Deprescribing is a patient-centred process in which a healthcare professional reduces or stops medications to improve health outcomes. Since late 2022, community pharmacists in Québec, Canada, have been able to bill for deprescribing interventions, enabling more robust deprescribing research in large cohort studies.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of deprescribing claims in Québec community pharmacies from January 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, and to identify the most commonly deprescribed medication classes.

Methods

We analysed the total number of deprescribing claims submitted by pharmacists during this period and categorized deprescribed medications using the American Hospital Formulary Service classification.

Findings

Over 90 000 claims were submitted for deprescribing interventions, with most involving central nervous system medications. Although the number of claims increased over time, the overall volume remained modest.

Conclusion

While limitations remain, such as the gradual adoption of billing interventions, Québec's reimbursement model for deprescribing interventions provides an important framework for research, offering a mechanism to study deprescribing in real-world settings.