8 RiversideHealthcare.org Managing heart-related conditions often involves multiple medications, frequent adjustments, and ongoing monitoring—an experience that can feel overwhelming for many patients. Riverside Healthcare’s Cardiology Pharmacotherapy Clinic (CPC) was designed to bridge that gap, offering personalized, pharmacist-led care that helps patients safely and confidently reach their health goals. A focus on treatment Kellye Eagan, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, serves as Lead Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist for the clinic. As an ambulatory care pharmacist, she works directly with patients in an outpatient setting, focusing on treatment rather than diagnosis. “I work similarly to advanced practice clinicians,” Eagan explains. “I meet with patients one-on-one, ensuring that they’re reaching their health goals.” Originally known as the Anticoagulation Clinic, the CPC has Personalized medication A look at Riverside’s Cardiology Pharmacotherapy Clinic expanded significantly in recent years. Today, the clinic manages far more than blood thinners. “We not only do pharmacist-led anticoagulation management, but now we’re also doing pharmacistled hypertension,” Eagan says. Services also include cholesterol management, stable heart failure care and cardiovascular risk reduction, including support with weight-loss medications. Individualized care At the core of the CPC’s approach is medication optimization—a process ensuring that every medication a patient takes is necessary, effective, safe and realistic. “We make sure that every medication a patient’s on is indicated, it’s working, it’s safe, and it’s something that that patient can actually take,” Eagan says. “We make sure that treatment plan is really individualized.” That individualized care is especially important because not every patient fits neatly into standard treatment guidelines. “Everything we have in healthcare is evidence-based,” she says. “However, not all patients fit that mold.” Pharmacists are uniquely equipped to adjust medications based on side effects, lifestyle, cost concerns and other health conditions. More frequent follow-ups Patients referred to the CPC often benefit from more frequent followups than traditional provider visits allow. “I’m a big believer in smaller, more frequent changes,” Eagan shares. “If a patient doesn’t tolerate a change or that medication isn’t working for them, we catch it pretty quickly.” This allows the care team to pivot early, rather than waiting months for the next appointment. Initial visits typically last about an hour and focus heavily on education Talk with your primary care provider to learn more about access to this program. To find a primary care provider, go to myrhc.net/acceptingnew.
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