Get the Most from Your Medicines — How to Access a Free Home Medicine Review (HMR)

Your Health Ally
Oct 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 23

Many Australians take several medicines every day — and over time, it’s easy for things to get confusing. Maybe your prescriptions have changed, you’ve added vitamins or pain relief, or you’re simply not sure what each tablet does anymore.

What many people don’t realise is that pharmacists can help you make sense of it all.Through a Medication Review, you can sit down (in person or online) with a pharmacist to check that everything you’re taking is still safe, effective, and right for you.

And here’s the good news — if you’re eligible, this service can be completely free through the government-funded Home Medicines Review (HMR) program.

Understand why you’re taking each medicine — Understand *why* you’re taking each medicine

What Is a Medication Review?

A Medication Review is a one-on-one discussion with a pharmacist about all the medicines you take — including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

The goal is to:

Check for interactions or duplications
Review whether your current medicines are still necessary
Identify side effects or anything that could be improved
Help you understand how and when to take your medicines properly

It’s a chance to ask questions, clear up confusion, and gain confidence in managing your health.

What Is the Home Medicines Review (HMR)?

The Home Medicines Review (HMR) has been helping Australians for more than 20 years. It's a service funded by Medicare and carried out by accredited pharmacists, often in collaboration with your GP.

You may be eligible if you:

Take multiple regular medications
Have recently been in hospital
Experience side effects or confusion with your medicines
Care for someone who takes several medicines
Or if your GP feels you could benefit from a full medication check

How Does an HMR Work?

Talk to your GP about getting a Home Medicines Review referral.
The pharmacist will contact you to arrange a suitable time — either at home or via telehealth.
You’ll have a relaxed chat reviewing all your medicines, including any over-the-counter or herbal products.
The pharmacist then prepares a report for your GP with practical recommendations.

Your GP can use this report to adjust your treatment plan and ensure your medicines work safely together.

Not Eligible? You Can Still Have a Private Review

Even if you don’t meet the government criteria, you can still have your medicines reviewed privately.

At Your Health Ally, I offer Private Medication Reviews online — ideal for:

Busy parents who don’t have time for clinic visits
People caring for elderly family members
Anyone who wants an independent review of their medicines for peace of mind

A private review gives you personalised advice, clear explanations, and simple steps to manage your medicines with confidence.

Why Medication Reviews Matter

Medication can be life-saving — but it can also be overwhelming. Small errors like missing doses, doubling up, or mixing the wrong products can lead to serious side effects or hospital visits.

Regular pharmacist reviews help you:

Avoid harmful interactions
Simplify your medication routine
Feel more in control of your health
Catch potential problems before they escalate

It’s one of the easiest, most practical ways to protect your health and stay well at home.

Start Simple — Download a Free Medication Chart

Before your review, a good first step is to get your medicines organised. Many people find it helpful to write everything down in one place — what you take, when, and why.

That’s why I’ve created a Free Medication Chart you can use at home. It's a simple tool to:

Track each medicine’s name, strength, and dose
Note when to take it (morning, midday, evening)
Record special instructions like “take with food”
Spot duplicates or changes easily

Having a clear medication chart helps you (and your pharmacist or GP) see the full picture and catch any errors early. It's often the first step to keeping your medicines safe and organised.

👉 [Download your Free Medication Chart here]

How to Get Started

If you think you may qualify for a free Home Medicines Review:

🩺 Speak to your GP and ask about an HMR referral.

Or, if you’d prefer a private review, you can:

💬 Book directly through Your Health Ally to review your medicines online from the comfort of home.

Final Thought

Medicines are meant to help — not cause confusion or worry. Whether through a government-funded review or a private consultation, a pharmacist can help you get the most from your medicines and feel confident about your health choices every day.

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your pharmacist or doctor for personalised recommendations.

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