Inside a Pharmacywide Rollout of Point-of-Care Test-and-Treat Services

Community pharmacy continues to evolve beyond dispensing, and at Thrifty White Pharmacy, point-of-care (POC) testing and treatment services are now routine. As health care shifts toward value-based care and increased access expectations, pharmacists and technicians are playing a more direct role in identifying, assessing, and treating common conditions, without sacrificing safety, consistency, or workflow efficiency.

Thrifty White pharmacies have long been trusted access points in the communities we serve. By integrating POC testing and treatment for conditions such as influenza, group A Streptococcus, and COVID-19, we have expanded our clinical footprint while keeping services aligned with real-world pharmacy operations. For many rural and underserved locations, these services fill critical gaps where traditional care access may be limited or delayed.

Program Design With Workflow in Mind

The POC test-and-treat program was implemented across all Thrifty White locations throughout 2025 using a standardized, scalable operational model. From the outset, the focus was on making the service executable within existing pharmacy workflows—not as an add-on, but as a defined clinical service with clear roles and expectations.

Each pharmacy was equipped with standardized testing supplies and clinical resources, clear documentation and billing processes, and defined workflows aligned with dispensing and immunization activities. Pharmacy layout, staffing patterns, and daily volume were considered to ensure testing could be performed efficiently without disrupting core operations.

Training and Team Roles

Pharmacist training combined hands-on workshops with structured online education. The goal was not only to build clinical confidence but also to ensure consistent delivery of services across locations. Training focused on patient assessment and eligibility determination, proper test administration and interpretation, use of evidence-based treatment algorithms, and documentation, billing, and escalation criteria.

Technicians play a key operational role by supporting patient intake, coordinating workflow, managing supplies, and assisting with documentation processes as allowed. Clear role delineation has been critical to maintaining efficiency, particularly during high-volume respiratory illness seasons.

Clinical Authority and Standardization

Collaborative practice agreements are the foundation of the program, enabling pharmacists to independently assess patients, order tests, and initiate treatment when appropriate. Standardized clinical pathways guide test selection; treatment choice, dosing, and duration; and referral criteria when patients fall outside protocol.

These protocols support safe decision-making while reducing variability between locations. Pharmacists are empowered to practice at the top of their license while remaining within clearly defined clinical and operational guardrails.

Monitoring, Quality, and Continuous Improvement

Program performance is actively monitored to assess utilization, workflow impact, and opportunities for improvement. Feedback from pharmacists and technicians has been essential in refining processes, improving efficiency, and identifying training needs. This continuous improvement approach ensures the program remains sustainable and adaptable as demand grows.

Impact on Practice and Professional Satisfaction

From a practice standpoint, POC testing and treatment services have become a meaningful extension of patient care. During peak illness seasons, pharmacists frequently see patients who would otherwise delay care or seek treatment in higher-cost settings. The ability to test, assess, and initiate therapy in a single encounter has proven clinically impactful and professionally rewarding.

Pharmacists and technicians consistently report increased engagement in direct patient care, greater confidence in clinical decision-making, and stronger collaboration within the pharmacy team. As one pharmacist shared, “This service lets us solve a real problem for patients in real time. The protocols are clear, the workflow works, and you can see the immediate impact of what you’re doing.”

Looking Ahead

POC test and treat services are now a core part of Thrifty White’s clinical operations. By prioritizing standardized workflows, comprehensive training, and team-based execution, we have successfully integrated these services into daily pharmacy practice. As patient demand continues to grow, our focus remains on operational excellence, clinical quality, and supporting pharmacists and technicians in delivering accessible, high-value care.