This episode features Vinay Eapen, Specialty Pharmacy Supervisor at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Here, he discusses his background, what specialty pharmacy is, the value specialty pharmacy brings to health systems, and more.
Summary
Specialty Pharmacy Programs and Their Value in Health Systems
Specialty pharmacy is an area of pharmacy that focuses on medications that are high-cost, high-touch, or require special handling. Vinay Eapen, Specialty Pharmacy Supervisor at The University of Texas Medical Branch, recently shared his insights into the world of specialty pharmacy.
Vinay Eapen's Background and Role at U T M B
Vinay Eapen has been the Specialty Pharmacy Supervisor at U T M B for two and a half years. His role involves helping patients gain access to specialty medications. Specialty medications are prescribed to only 1-2% of the patient population, but they account for 50% of the drug spend. Some of the main areas of focus for Vinay and his team are oncology, GI, and rheumatology. They use the 340B Drug Program to help patients start their therapy and reduce the total cost of care for complex patients.
The Value of Specialty Pharmacy Programs in Health Systems
Specialty pharmacy programs have become increasingly popular in health systems because of their economic incentives and improvement in patient care. To implement a successful specialty pharmacy program, health systems should conduct an environmental and internal analysis to determine where they can make the most difference in patient care. After analyzing their needs, health systems should bring in the right people to develop a specialty program that integrates care with pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and patient liaisons.
The Role of Specialty Pharmacy Programs in Reducing the Total Cost of Care
Specialty pharmacy programs help to reduce the total cost of care for complex patients by offering pro authorization, clinical management, and education. Specialty medications are often very expensive, but the 340B Drug Program allows patients to start therapy at a reduced cost, which benefits both the patient and the health system.
The Main Areas of Focus for U T M B's Specialty Pharmacy Program
U T M B's specialty pharmacy program focuses mainly on oncology, GI, and rheumatology. By concentrating on these areas, U T M B is able to provide specialized care to patients who need it the most. By utilizing the 340B Drug Program, U T M B's specialty pharmacy program is able to help patients start their therapy and reduce the total cost of care for complex patients.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 03/12/2023 and can be listened here.
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