The pharmacist's role in transforming nephrology care.

Purpose: To describe how pharmacists can enhance the care of individuals with chronic kidney disease by examining the role of the pharmacist in new care models.

Summary: The implications of chronic kidney disease for the healthcare system, particularly for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, are profound. New payment models and the development of medications that slow progression of kidney disease are transforming the landscape of nephrology care in the US. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role as part of the interdisciplinary care team to optimize medication therapy for this population. In particular, the Kidney Care Choices value-based care model is encouraging a more holistic approach to managing kidney disease that aligns with the goals of comprehensive medication management by pharmacists. Pharmacists can leverage fee-for-service and value-based care reimbursement models in primary care and nephrology care settings to successfully implement guideline-directed medical therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion: The changing landscape of nephrology offers many opportunities for pharmacists to enhance patient care. More studies are needed to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of pharmacists in this specialty to promote the expansion and impact of this role.