Pharmacotherapy
is therapy using pharmaceutical drugs, as distinguished from therapy using surgery (surgical
therapy), radiation (radiation therapy), movement (physical therapy), or other modes. Among
physicians, sometimes the term medical therapy refers specifically to pharmacotherapy as opposed
to surgical or other therapy; for example, in oncology, medical oncology is thus distinguished
from surgical oncology.
Pharmacists are experts in pharmacotherapy and are responsible for ensuring the safe,
appropriate, and economical use of pharmaceutical drugs. The skills required to function as a
pharmacist require knowledge, training and experience in biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical
sciences. Pharmacology is the science that aims to continually improve pharmacotherapy. The
pharmaceutical industry and academia use basic science, applied science, and translational
science to create new pharmaceutical drugs.
As pharmacotherapy specialists, pharmacists have responsibility for direct patient care, often
functioning as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and acting as the primary source of
drug-related information for other healthcare professionals. A pharmacotherapy specialist is an
individual who is specialized in administering and prescribing medication, and requires
extensive academic knowledge in pharmacotherapy.
In the US, a pharmacist can gain Board Certification in the area of pharmacotherapy upon
fulfilling eligibility requirements and passing a certification examination.
While pharmacists provide valuable information about medications for patients and healthcare
professionals, they are not typically considered covered pharmacotherapy providers by insurance
companies.
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