ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Pharmacists in Missouri now have a new way to get more involved in a patient’s treatment.

Starting this month, some patients with chronic diseases – like asthma or diabetes – will be able to go to their pharmacist to adjust their medication instead of having to make an appointment with their doctor.

St. Louis College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Terry Seaton says pharmacists involved in this program must first be certified by the state Board of Pharmacy and work in conjuction with the patient’s prescribing doctor.

“The patient could ask the physicians if they have partnered with the pharmacist and they could ask the pharmacist if they’ve partnered with that patient’s physician to manage these things,” Seaton said.

Seaton say this new individualized care has been shown to improve patient health and lower costs.