Can pharmacist perform physical examinations?

Question

I've heard they can do this and I'm just wondering why if they're not in authority to prescribe medications..?

Answer 1

Not unless they also have a PHD

Answer 2

No, they are not legally allowed to do so. This is not in the scope of their practice.

Answer 3

The scope and role of pharmacy in healthcare is expanding and like many other disciplines, overlapping.  As previously stated, pharmacists may perform assessments when it is part of their professional setting and duties.

Moreover, pharmacists are now allowed to give injections and vaccinations.  There are two states that have created advanced pharmacist licensure similar to nurse practitioners and PA's.

Six years of training are required to earn the PharmD degree; and many pursue formal hospital residency training and board certifications.

There is an objective line between the practice of medicine, and practicing helathcare.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

No they can not.  They are not quallified to do this.  They can although take your blood pressure for you in most stores now and give you advice on over the counter medicine!

Answer 5

A pharmacist, especially one that is clinically trained, *can* indeed perform a basic physical examination. However, they cannot diagnose based on their observations. This happens quite often Public Health Service programs (e.g. Indian Health Service), in some VA programs, and in emergency situations. The pharmacist records the examination, but leaves the MD to confirm and diagnose the patient. In practice, they may take on a nurse-like role, when nurses labor is scarce.

This should make sense since most clinical pharmacists have to be able to interpret patient medical records in order to double check prescriptions (make sure they are written rationally). However, you're right in that pharmacists cannot prescribe medications, because they do not make the final diagnosis.

Answer 6

They can do them just for fun.

If it's a stranger then it's illegal.