Progressing Prescription Software: Finding the Best Path Forward for Adoption of Prescription Digital Therapeutics  

Diana Brixner, PhD, and Ashley Peterson, MHA, explore the distinctions between prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) and wellness mobile apps, addressing the role of insurance coverage and the clinical validation requirements that payers consider when determining whether to cover PDTs as a treatment modality.

Panelists delve into the data and the cost-saving evidence required by payers to cover prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs), outline the decision-making process followed by payers, and share best practices observed in real-world to ensure the successful implementation of PDTs.

Paul Jeffrey, PharmD, presents the findings of a study, which investigated patient engagement and clinical outcomes associated with the use of prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) in the treatment of substance use disorders, and discusses the need for further research to advance the efficacy and value of PDTs in this field.

Medical experts identify key stakeholders within health plans who collaborate in the decision-making process for coverage, access, and benefit design related to prescription digital therapeutics.

Paul Jeffrey, PharmD, examines different contracting strategies that can help improve patient access to prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs).

Diana Brixner, PhD, highlights the potential for prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) to have impact in areas such as facilitating behavioral change for mental health conditions and strengthening adherence for complex disease states with intricate drug regimens.

The panel discusses the challenges of delivering prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) to patients, challenges caused by PDTs being considered behavioral health benefits, pharmacy benefits, medical benefits, and durable medical equipment benefits.

Panelists highlight the need for education and support to help clinicians appropriately prescribe prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs).

Health care professionals discuss the optimal timeline for collaborating with provider advocates to develop and implement protocols that facilitate patient access to prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs).

Panelists explore how payers choose between pharmacy and medical benefit designs for covering prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs), optimizing patient access and adoption, and discussing why the selected pathway was considered optimal for a specific PDT.

In their closing remarks, the panel shares their view on the future of prescription digital therapeutics and the prospects for the widespread adoption and implementation of these therapeutics in health care systems.