Oncology Pharmacy: Strategies in the Managed Care Setting

During the last two decades, managed care organizations (MCOs) have spent a considerable amount of time and resources managing prescription drug costs for large chronic disease categories.

Utilizing the management of multiple myeloma as an example, the pre-conference program, entitled “The Evolving Oncology Pharmacy Paradigm: Emerging Strategies for Managed Care Professionals,” recommended emerging oncology pharmacy management strategies and methods for managed care professionals to implement within their current setting as well as extrapolate to other types of cancer as needed.

This program included a distinguished panel of thought leaders such as David H. Vesole, MD, PhD, Hackensack University Medical Center; David G. Frame, PharmD, University of Michigan Health System; C. Daniel Mullins, PhD, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy; and Jeffrey D. Dunn, PharmD, MBA, SelectHealth.

Dr. Vesole explained the use of decision-support tools that utilize evidence-based treatment management plans for patients with multiple myeloma in a managed care setting. Dr. Frame described managed care strategies and methods, comparing and contrasting oncology versus traditional pharmacy management for patients with chronic illnesses. Dr. Mulllins identified techniques for MCOs to determine the cost-effectiveness and survival benefits of multiple myeloma therapies. Finally, Dr. Dunn explained emerging programs and methods that MCOs can implement to improve overall oncology patient outcomes.

Because managed care leaders have identified oncology drugs and biologics as priority areas for managing costs, further discussion is crucial to develop and implement new strategies, coordinate oncology care through case management, educate patients about treatment with current and emerging cancer drugs, and collaborate effectively with specialty pharmacy management.

For more information about this program, please visit www.amcp.org.