Do you (or someone you care for) need a HMR?

Why have a Home Medicines Review (HMR)?

How well do you know your medicines? When medicines are not used correctly there can be serious consequences.

Each year over 200,000 Australians are hospitalised due to medication problems. At least half of these admissions could be avoided with better medication management. Older people who may be taking multiple medications and have multiple chronic health problems are particularly at risk. Taking multiple medications increases the chances of interactions between medications. In addition, the ability to metabolise medicines declines with age and can lead to medication related problems. 

 A Home Medicines Review can help you better understand your medicines and keep you out of hospital.

You could benefit from a HMR if:

• You take more than five medicines in a day (including herbal medicines and vitamins);
• Are confused or worried about your medicines;
• Sometimes forget to take you medicines;
• See more than one GP or specialist; or
• Have recently spent time in hospital.

What's involved in a HMR and how does it work?

You can ask your GP for a HMR referral which will be sent to your local pharmacy or directly to The Medicines Review Company if you prefer.  A specially trained pharmacist will then conduct an interview, preferably in the comfort of your own home, and then writes a report for  the GP.  The interview can be done elsewhere if you are not comfortable having it conducted in your home. During the interview  the pharmacist will discuss your medicines with you, which may involve showing you how to take your medicines correctly, explain why and when to take your medicines, explain where your medicines should be stored, checking that prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are appropriate to take together, and clarify any confusion with generic medicines (the cheaper brands). 

The GP will discuss any recommendations with you and may make appropriate changes to your medication regimen after receiving the report.

 A Home Medicines Review is nothing to worry about.  The Home Medicines Review is not a way of “checking up on you” or talking to the GP behind your back.  A Home Medicines Review cannot be done without your consent and it's all part of your normal consultation fee.

Your GP and Pharmacist will work together to help you get the most from your medicines.

What does it cost?

Nothing. There is no cost to you as long as you live at home, hold a current Medicare card and your GP has assessed your eligibility for a HMR. Home Medicines Reviews are a free service funded by the Commonwealth Government.

The HMR service is not available to in-patients of a hospital, day hospital facility or care recipients in residential aged care facilities. 

The Medicines Review Company offers private medication reviews for those who are not eligible for a HMR.   Contact us to enquire about our private consultation fees.

Click here for more information.

  Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a HMR (Home Medicines Review)