Opinion
Video
Payer Support Driving Lowering of Biosimilar-Related Health Care Costs
Experts address the need for lower costs of treatment, as well as ways payers can support patients with the use of biologics.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD; Bincy Abraham, MD, MS; Jamie T. Brogan, APRN; and Vibeke Strand, MD.
Haumschild asks Gottlieb how payers can support biosimilar utilization to lower health care costs beyond just acquisition costs. Gottlieb says payers and pharmacy benefit managers should focus less on segment profit and more on reducing patient costs.
Haumschild notes that integrated specialty pharmacies improve adherence and access. His study found 25% better adherence when patients fill within an integrated network. Onsite specialty pharmacy staff can assist with prior authorizations and injections during visits. Equitable access to integrated specialty pharmacies provides oversight improving outcomes and potentially lowering total costs.
Gottlieb agrees that an onsite specialty pharmacy facilitates a team approach for efficient prior authorization and improving the patient experience. Although her hospital assists patients if they must use an outside specialty pharmacy, they have an onsite team to maximize each patient visit.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMCÒ editorial staff.
