Medications can feel like a mystery. That’s why meeting with an MTM pharmacist like Erik Swanson is important. He will make sure your medications are safe to take together and you’re progressing on your health goals.
What is medication therapy management?
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a healthcare service that helps patients manage their medication regimen. At Fairview Range, Erik Swanson works with patients to make sure they are taking their medications correctly. His goal is to spot any negative effects or drug interactions, and assist patients in overcoming any medication obstacles.
Before Swanson joined the team, patients on the Iron Range had to travel all the way to Duluth to talk one-on-one with an MTM pharmacist. The pharmacist meets with patients who have complex medication regimens, chronic diseases, or are at risk for medication-related problems. They work closely with the patient’s primary care physician to ensure that their medication regimen is appropriate and effective.
Now, you can meet with Swanson and ensure that your medications are the right type and dosage for you.
“My job is to meet with patients one-on-one and go over their medication list,” explains Swanson. “I make sure they’re taking everything for a reason. We want to ensure that their medications are safe for them, everything interacts well together, and that they have the most simplified, effective, and cost-effective list of medications. It’s always smart to have a second eye on something so important”
Who Do MTMs Work With?
Swanson serves a diverse population of patients, including those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. His goal is to help these patients accomplish their chronic disease goals while working alongside the patient’s medical team to get the best results.
“Once someone is referred to me, I can start meeting with them once a month or more if needed. Together, we can track their progress and keep them working toward their goals. It’s much easier to stay on track when you’re meeting with me more frequently instead of just seeing your doctor every three months.”
Swanson sees a range of patients. They can be young adults or of Medicare age. When it comes to the latter group, he finds it extra useful to meet with an MTM pharmacist.
“As you age, the medications you have been using may not be as effective or safe for you. I can work with you to update your medications and optimize them for your age and the current guidelines.”
A Passion for Patients
Swanson joined the team in June of 2022 but has always been passionate about the people here. He worked in the Twin Cities during his residency but when an opening at Fairview Range opened up, he jumped on the opportunity.
“I’m passionate about the people of Northern Minnesota,” states Swanson. “I’ve spent so much of my time in the region and want great care to be accessible to everyone up here. I take a patient-centered approach to help patients get the most out of their medications and make sure they are reaching their goals effectively. At the end of the day, the patient gets to choose their preferred way to go about things, but it is important that they receive the proper knowledge on the subject to make an informed decision.
Set Up an Appointment
If you’re curious about your medications, ask your provider about meeting with an MTM pharmacist. It’s always good to get a second perspective on your medication list. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment. You can see Swanson just once or work on goals with him throughout the year. The call is yours. If you’re interested in learning more, call 218-362-6590 to schedule an MTM appointment with Erik directly, or you can be referred by your physician. However, you do not need to be a patient of a Fairview clinic or hospital to use this service.
