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Clinic Pharmacy Services

Most people think of a pharmacist as the individual behind the drug store counter who fills prescriptions. However, some pharmacists have completed advanced training to be able to provide a higher level of care for patients. This concept of a primary care pharmacist within the doctor's office delivering direct patient care is new to many.

Seeing a pharmacist in your doctor's office

Clinical pharmacists are an important part of the health care team in many of our Virginia Mason Franciscan Health primary care locations. Your doctor will always be the one to diagnose your condition, but if you have certain chronic conditions you may also have appointments with a primary care pharmacist in your doctor’s office.

Clinic pharmacy services we provide

Our primary care pharmacists can help our patients manage many conditions, such as:

  • Anemia
  • Anticoagulation drugs such as warfarin
  • Blood pressure issues
  • Lipid issues
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking cessation
  • Pain

They have the training and credentials required to:

  • Order and review lab tests
  • Prescribe medications
  • Teach you about your condition
  • Answer your questions


At every visit, whether in-person or virtual, your primary care pharmacist will enter key information from your appointment into your electronic medical record. This ensures that your doctor will always have up-to-the-minute information about your care.

Greater access to patient care

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we believe that embedding clinical primary care pharmacists in many of our doctors' offices provides our patients with even better access to great care. And our ongoing patient satisfaction surveys show that our patients agree.

The pharmacist at your local drug store is still the person who will be filling your prescriptions. Increasingly, you may also see signs in your drug store offering similar services.

But here's the difference: While the pharmacists who fill your prescriptions can offer advice on medications and even make recommendations to your doctor, they cannot prescribe medications themselves or make changes to your current medications. Nor do they have access to your medical records.

If your doctor refers you to a primary care pharmacist, you’ll still come to the clinic for those appointments. And, of course, you’ll still see your doctor as needed. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we’re committed to providing the best possible access to great patient care, and we look forward to helping you stay healthy.

Learn more

If you would like more information on clinical pharmacy services, please call your primary care clinic. Your doctor can also refer you to a primary care pharmacist virtual visit.