Pill counts are useful tools to confirm medication adherence and help to reduce the risk of diversion.
One approach is to provide a 28-day supply so that the medication is due on a regular schedule, on the same day of the week, and then to prescribe so that the patient
should have residual medications to bring to an appointment. Ask the patient to bring in the medications at each and every visit, and then count out the medications to confirm that they are on track with the prescribed schedule.
Another strategy is to have the patient come back in between visits to conduct a random pill count.
Download the Pill Count Form
Note that the patient may have “extra” medication if they were inpatient at any point after the fill date. Patients should also be informed to bring their remaining medications with them for regularly scheduled appointments.
