As pharmacists’ scope of practice continues to evolve to meet changing health-care needs, plan sponsors need to leverage these services to improve care and drive value, according to one expert. “I truly think pharmacy services have great value. But there is a huge misunderstanding or even lack of awareness of what pharmacists can provide and […]
While type 2 diabetes is generally considered to be a chronic, progressive condition, a recent clinical trial showed that with pharmacist-led therapeutic nutritional intervention, reversal is a realistic goal. As Sean McKelvey, chief executive officer of the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition, told attendees at the 2018 Pharmacy Solutions in Drug Plan Management Forum in […]
Many effective strategies exist when it comes to managing specialty drug costs, but a coordinated approach that takes the financial, clinical and pharmacy elements into account is key to achieving a balance between access and spending, according to Telus Health’s Cory Cowan. Cowan, the organization’s director of professional services, told attendees at the 2018 Pharmacy […]
Although the landscape is set to change dramatically with the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, plan sponsors and members can expect a distinct system for medical cannabis to continue, said Aurora Cannabis Inc.’s Jonathan Zaid. Speaking at the Pharmacy Solutions in Drug Plan Management forum in Mississauga, Ont. on Sept. 25, Zaid, the organization’s director, advocacy and […]
A new program that aims to move community pharmacies away from a transactional relationship with payors to a shared accountability for patient health outcomes is underway, beginning with measuring performance. Moving toward a value-based system is key because Canada currently spends more per capita on health care, on average, than any other country in the […]
Canadians spend an average of almost 10 hours each day, excluding sleep time, being sedentary. That counts as risky behaviour given studies that have linked sitting more than four hours a day to a number of long-term health risks, such as heart disease, diabetes and back pain. But when that inactivity is largely the result […]
For many people, gardening is a hobby reserved for winding down after a busy workday or week. It can be a good way to exercise, connect with the environment, relieve stress and eventually enjoy the fruits of their labour. But in a bid to foster health and wellness, get employees moving and increase productivity, Winnipeg-based […]
Through emerging options that create automated processes to address prevention and wellness and increase accountability by the patient, specialty pharmacy has the ability to deliver greater value, said Eric Sredzinski, executive vice-president of clinical affairs and quality assurance with Avella Specialty Pharmacy. As Sredzinski told attendees at the recent 2017 Pharmacy Solutions in Drug Plan […]
An aging population and a trend towards costly drugs entering the market are driving benefit plan costs higher, but pharmacists can play a key role in helping to ensure plans remain sustainable, according to Barbara Martinez, national practice leader of drug benefits solutions at Great-West Life Assurance Co. As Martinez told attendees at the recent […]
As plan members deal with the increased complexity of benefits plans, what’s the role of pharmacies in helping them understand and navigate the various rules around drug claims? “Pharmacy is obviously a big part of helping these solutions come alive for plan members — whether it’s the pharmacy supporting the plan member through the drug […]