Deprescribing: A Targeted Strategy to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Risk

By Sapna Patel, RPh, Director, Clinical Services

For health plans managing medically complex Medicare Advantage members, polypharmacy is a common-and costly-challenge. Many of these members are on six or more medications, prescribed by multiple providers who may not have full visibility into the entire regimen. The result? An elevated risk of falls, cognitive decline, adverse drug events, and unnecessary utilization.

Deprescribing: A Clinical Intervention That Drives Better Care

At Mosaic Pharmacy Service, deprescribing is a structured and proactive process led by clinical pharmacists. We partner with members and their prescribers to safely reduce or stop medications that may no longer be needed, are duplicative, or are doing more harm than good.

Why It Matters to Health Plans:

• Improves Safety: By removing unnecessary medications, we reduce the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and preventable hospitalizations.
• Enhances Adherence: Streamlining regimens increases the likelihood that members will take the medications that matter most.
• Reduces Total Cost of Care: Fewer medications, fewer complications, and fewer unplanned care events translate into lower medical and pharmacy costs.
• Boosts Quality Ratings: Deprescribing contributes directly to better clinical outcomes and improved STAR performance measures.

A Member-Centered Approach, Backed by Clinical Expertise

Mosaic pharmacists have a view into all claims data and take the time to understand each member's full medication profile, including prescriptions from outside providers, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. We identify risks, engage prescribers, and ensure every step is done safely and collaboratively.

The Result: Smarter Medication Management for Better Health

For your plan, deprescribing isn't just a clinical service-it's a strategic lever for improving safety, quality, and cost performance. For your members, it's a path to fewer pills, fewer side effects, and better health.