The role of pharmacists has evolved and expanded rapidly in the past 5 years with responsibilities growing in ways many never imagined before the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a public health emergency has fundamentally reshaped healthcare—and redefined the pharmacist’s role within it.
One of the most notable shifts is the surge in at-home medical testing. The widespread adoption of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests paved the way for broader acceptance of home testing for various health conditions. The home diagnostics market is expected to reach $16.2 billion by 2026, reflecting the growing consumer preference for accessible, self-managed care.
At the same time, Americans are increasingly focused on health, wellness, and prevention, leading to a shift in how they engage with the healthcare system. However, as the demand for preventive services grows, another challenge has emerged: a nationwide shortage of primary care physicians. With fewer doctors available, many people are turning to pharmacists for frontline care. In fact, over 50% of U.S. adults now consider pharmacies a primary healthcare destination.
This shift underscores the importance of pharmacists remaining vigilant in guiding patients with health information, expanding our roles beyond medication dispensing to include preventive care, diagnostics, and patient counseling.
The Rise of At-Home Diagnostic Testing
The increasing acceptance of at-home diagnostic testing is transforming how patients manage their health. Consumers are embracing these tools, with 76% of Americans expressing interest in self-administered testing. In our pharmacies, shelves are now stocked with more than just pregnancy tests; patients can access at-home tests for cholesterol, diabetes, infections, kidney function, and even genetic predispositions.
One of the newly offered OTC tests includes Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) for colorectal cancer screening. Products like Reese’s ColoTest offer an accessible, private, and easy-to-use alternative to traditional colonoscopies, detecting microscopic blood in stool—an early indicator of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions. These tests are increasingly available at community pharmacies, making them even more convenient for patients.
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to strengthen patient education by ensuring correct usage of these tests and emphasizing the need for physician follow-up for positive results. When a patient comes in unsure how to use a FIT test or interpret the results, it’s often up to the pharmacy to guide them. While 63% of consumers say they would immediately contact their doctor after a positive FIT test, a significant portion may delay or forgo care—underscoring the critical role we play in turning early detection into timely intervention. The urgency is especially clear as colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, making tools like FIT tests even more important for early diagnosis and treatment.
Pharmacies as Healthcare Hubs
FIT tests are just the beginning. As pharmacies transform into healthcare hubs, there is an opportunity to bridge gaps in preventative care by guiding patients through the growing range of at-home diagnostic options. From blood tests that monitor heart health risk factors like cholesterol and blood sugar to HIV self-tests that offer quick, private results, these tools help identify serious conditions that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Additionally, more states are expanding pharmacists’ prescribing authority for common conditions such as flu, strep, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This shift allows pharmacists to serve as even more vital healthcare access points, providing both convenience and early detection of chronic conditions, which can lead to timely intervention and management.
The Future of Pharmacies
This transformation marks a turning point for the pharmacy profession. As consumer expectations and demand for accessible preventative care grow, pharmacies have a unique opportunity to expand our services. Enhanced offerings can drive insurance reimbursements, increase sales of related OTC products, and create new business models that position pharmacies as primary destinations for health and wellness.
However, to fully embrace these opportunities, pharmacists may need additional training and education to confidently guide patients through diagnostic options, interpret test results, and recommend appropriate next steps. Continuing education and interprofessional collaboration will be key to pharmacy success.
While challenges exist, pharmacists’ evolving role strengthens their position as key healthcare providers. By leveraging diagnostic services like FIT testing and other life-saving at-home tests, pharmacists can bridge critical gaps in preventive care, improve patient outcomes, and redefine the profession in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
The future of healthcare is already here, and pharmacy is at its forefront.
