Availability of pharmacist prescription of contraception in rural areas of Oregon and New Mexico

Contraception. 2020 Mar;101(3):210-212. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.11.005. Epub 2019 Dec 17.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the availability of pharmacist prescribing of hormonal contraception in rural areas of two states.

Study design: Cross-sectional survey.

Results: Overall, 42% of pharmacies prescribed contraception (Oregon: 46% and New Mexico 19%). A similar proportion of rural pharmacies reported offering pharmacist prescription of 37 contraception as urban locations (39% vs 46%, p = 0.26). Nearly 53% of rural and 45% of urban pharmacies report billing women, rather than insurance, directly for the cost of the pharmacist consultation. Over 80% of pharmacists in both rural and urban locations did not know if Medicaid covered the cost.

Conclusion: Pharmacists in rural areas are as willing as their urban counterparts to prescribe hormonal contraception. Financial barriers remain a concern.

Keywords: Contraception; Pharmacist; Pharmacy; Rural health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Community Pharmacy Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraception / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Medicaid*
  • New Mexico
  • Oregon
  • Pharmacists / statistics & numerical data*
  • Professional Role
  • Rural Health
  • United States
  • Urban Health
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal