What is a Home Medicines Review?
A Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a government-funded program designed to improve how people use their medicines and reduce the risk of medication-related problems. It involves a face-to-face review conducted by a credentialed pharmacist in your own home. The program is administered under the Community Pharmacy Agreement and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. There is no cost to you.
Less waiting
More certainty
Appointments that fit around you
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for a Home Medicines Review if you:
-
Hold a current Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card - Live in a community setting (not a hospital or aged care facility)
- Are at risk of, or experiencing, medication-related problems
- Have a referral from your GP or eligible specialist confirming a clinical need
A patient is not eligible if they are currently an in-patient at a hospital, day hospital facility, transition care facility, or resident of an aged care facility.
No Waiting Rooms
No missed calls
No running between services
Who benefits most?
A Home Medicines Review is considered by a GP particularly valuable for people who:
- Take five or more medications
- Have recently been discharged from hospital with medication changes
- Are managing multiple chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions, etc.)
- Experience side effects or confusion about their medication routine
- Have had a significant change in their health or medication regimen
- Are carers managing medications for a family member
How it works
- Step
1Refer
Your GP refers you
Your GP or eligible specialist writes a Home Medicines Review referral when they identify a clinical need.
- Step
2Book
We arrange your visit
Book a convenient time through our website, or your pharmacy can refer you via their MedtoDoor partner page.
- Step
3Visit
A credentialed pharmacist visits your home.
The review is conducted face-to-face in your home. Your pharmacist will discuss all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines.
- Step
4Report
A report is prepared.
Your pharmacist prepares a detailed HMR report with findings and recommendations to improve your medication management.
- Step
5Tailor
Your GP receives the report.
The report is sent to your referring GP (and your usual pharmacy if you have one) to help develop a medication management plan tailored to you. The report is also uploaded to your My Health Record if you have one.
- Step
6Follow up
Follow-up reviews if needed.
If clinically indicated, up to two follow-up visits can be arranged — the first between 1 and 9 months after your initial review, and the second at least 1 month after the first (within 9 months of the initial review).
During your Home Medicines Review, the credentialed pharmacist will:
- Review all your current medications — prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and supplements
- Check for potential interactions between your medicines
- Assess whether dosages and timing are appropriate
- Discuss any side effects or concerns you have
- Help you understand what each medication does and why you take it
- Identify any gaps or duplications in your medication regimen
Important information
- Home Medicines Reviews are provided at no cost to eligible patients under the government program.
- The review must be conducted face-to-face in your home (with limited exceptions for cultural or safety reasons, which require prior approval).
- You can have a Home Medicines Review once every 24 months, or more frequently if your GP determines there has been a significant change in your condition or medications.
- All HMR services are conducted by pharmacists who hold current credentialing through an Australian Pharmacy Council accredited program.
Safety notice
Not for emergencies. If you have severe symptoms (e.g., chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, suicidal crisis),
call 000 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Ready to get started?
Book an online appointment at a time that suits you and let MedtoDoor take care of the rest.
Book an online appointment