About two years ago, Indiana University Health implemented a 340B-funded comprehensive medication review clinic after pharmacy staff noticed patients at their hospitals were not filling maintenance prescriptions due to high cost. Although patient assistance was available, there was not a systematic approach to connecting qualifying patients with the financial help and education they needed, and the health system started the clinic to fill that gap. IU Health Regional Pharmacy Manager of Ambulatory Services Carrie Krekeler discusses how the clinic came about and how it works to improve patient health outcomes.
Improved Drug Affordability and Patient Education
When a prescription goes through IU Health’s comprehensive medication review clinic, pharmacists and other staff will prioritize finding financial assistance for eligible individuals and teaching patients important information about taking their medications. Krekeler says clinic staff will look for discounts for all medications a patient is on and see what a patient’s insurance will cover, if there are copays, and if prior authorization is needed. Staff then will connect patients to coupon cards, manufacturer assistance programs, or 340B-funded assistance through IU Health.
Demonstrated Results
In the two years since the clinic launched, Krekeler says its success has prompted IU Health to reinvest more 340B dollars to expand its reach. Patients with heart failure and diabetes who have gone through the clinic have seen significant improvements in their key health metrics. The clinic helps patients better maintain their health and stay out of the hospital.
Understanding 340B Is Vital for Such Programs
Krekeler says IU Health was able to launch its clinic after adapting a similar initiative that UC Davis had implemented. The key to getting the IU Health clinic off the ground was obtaining buy-in from executives who understood 340B and finance and were able to see the long-term benefit in investing 340B dollars in this area.