Below we share a summary of a recent article published in Becker’s Hospital Review, CarelonRx pharmacists discuss evolving trends in specialty pharmacy. Thanks to Foram Mehta, R.Ph. M.S., Staff Vice President of Clinical and Specialty Pharmacy; and Vicki Fisher, Pharm.D., Director of Clinical Analytic Strategies, the contributing CarelonRx pharmacists.
As the specialty drug pipeline continues to introduce novel medications, healthcare leaders must prepare to manage both the clinical benefits and financial implications of these therapies. Specialty medicines now account for more than 50% of medication spending, primarily driven by drugs addressing rare conditions with unmet needs. In a rapidly evolving specialty pharmacy landscape, CarelonRx pharmacists highlight three core strategies to navigate complexities and deliver effective patient care:
1. The first strategy focuses on adopting a clinical approach. CarelonRx emphasizes understanding medication placement under pharmacy or medical benefits, as exemplified by the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With the introduction of biologics like Dupixent, there's a shift in the treatment landscape that requires careful monitoring to optimize patient outcomes and manage drug spending.
2. The second approach is maintaining a people-first mindset. Managing chronic conditions can be overwhelming, and CarelonRx stresses the importance of educating and empowering patients to actively participate in their care. This includes addressing barriers to accessing medications and ensuring integrated care across providers.
3. Finally, working to reduce costs is a priority. Identifying strategies to control specialty drug expenses, such as promoting biosimilars and utilizing predictive analytics, can alleviate financial burdens while ensuring access to care. Through these focused strategies — clinical alignment, patient empowerment, and cost reduction — CarelonRx aims to effectively manage specialty pharmacy challenges.
Read the full article here:
CarelonRx pharmacists discuss evolving trends in specialty pharmacy - Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis
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