Muhammad Cheema, PharmD, MPBA

Pharmacists are redefining health care by bridging clinical and economic evidence, making a real difference in patient outcomes through health economics and outcomes research (HEOR).

By translating clinical evidence and real-world data into meaningful care, pharmacists uniquely position themselves to guide patients on GLP-1 therapies in obesity.

How PBMs Are Reshaping Access, Affordability, and Outcomes in Modern Health Care

Will traditional PBMs adapt, or will disruptors take over?

Although PBMs claim integration reduces costs and improves efficiency, the reality is more complicated—and often leaves patients footing the bill.

Rising health care costs and the complex nature of medication management have prompted PBMs to adopt AI tools to enhance patient outcomes, streamline claims processes, reduce waste, and design smarter, data-driven health plans.

However, pharmacists can help mitigate these effects.

Once relatively obscure, PBMs are now front and center in debates over drug pricing and access. Their future role will have profound implications not only for how medications are priced but also for how pharmacies conduct their operations.