The Hidden Cost of Managing Pain Without a Pain Pharmacist | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy — August 7, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Managing Pain Without a Pain Pharmacist

What happens when patients living with chronic pain do not have a pain pharmacist on their healthcare team?

In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we explore the hidden clinical, emotional, and financial costs of managing pain without a pharmacist trained in pain management. These pharmacists do far more than review medications—they serve as accessible patient advocates, medication experts, care coordinators, and trusted partners for people navigating the complexities of chronic pain.

Segment One: Pharmacists Are the Secret Weapon in Pain Management

Special guest host Dr. Sing Ping Chow, PharmD, BCPMP, is joined by Dr. Matthew Hermenau, PharmD, BCPMP, CPh, NBC-HWC, CPT, for an important discussion about pharmacist-led pain management.

Together, they examine how pain pharmacists can:

Identify medication-related risks and opportunities to improve therapy

Help patients balance pain relief, function, safety, and quality of life

Collaborate with prescribers and other members of the healthcare team

Support individualized, evidence-informed treatment plans

Educate and empower patients living with chronic pain