The VA clinic in Lincoln Nebraska features a strong ambulatory care environment with supportive preceptors and medical staff. VA Lincoln has had clinical pharmacy services since 1984, starting with anticoagulation clinic, later adding “pharmacy clinic” and then adapted the PACT (medical home) model in 2013. Pharmacists are part of an interdisciplinary team and carry a scope of practice which allows them to order medications, laboratory and diagnostic tests, consult other services, and develop therapeutic and monitoring plans for patients. Visits are completed in person, over the phone or via video care. The Lincoln VA pharmacy services include: Primary care (3 PACT clinics), Primacy care remotely to small outpatient clinics (CBOCs) (telehealth to Holdrege and Shenandoah), Anticoagulation clinic for warfarin and DOAC monitoring, Mental health clinic, outpatient infusion and outpatient dispensing pharmacy. We employ 14 pharmacists and four technicians, including a site manager, a PACT pharmacist at our Norfolk campus CBOC, a pharmacoeconomic pharmacist and a patient safety and data management pharmacist.

PACT pharmacists have a scope of practice for primary care and most commonly manage: Diabetes, Hypertension, Smoking Cessation, COPD/Asthma, Heart Failure, Osteoporosis, Hypothyroidism, Anticoagulation (warfarin and DOACs), OEND and naloxone distribution and hypercholesterolemia. They also provide medication reconciliation, answer e-consult medication questions and complete prior authorization (non-formulary request) reviews. Individual pharmacists manage pain, mental health, and women’s health.

The Lincoln VA will be moving into its new ambulatory care center this spring. It is estimated for first patient day to be April 1, 2021. The new building is located on the same campus as its current building.