Education is Key

Specialty Medications

Specialty medications are playing a greater role in the healthcare system every year. From oncology and rare diseases to blood disorders, these medications are only used in a handful of patients. Patients who take specialty medications either cannot tolerate the mainstream treatments or have failed pervious treatments.

Many of these medications are very costly and can be difficult for patients to receive. In addition, these medications can be confusing to not only the patient but also to the healthcare providers involved.

Specialty medications, such as biologic drugs, are frequently indicated for specific conditions in a specific population of patients. Since these medications are not used often, there is an education barrier for the patient.

Specialty pharmacies are usually the source of information for patients and providers. Many providers are unfamiliar with specialty medications and rely on pharmacist to provide information on the medications, including monitoring.

Providers need to have better access to education regarding new specialty medications and new indications that are approved for medications already on the market.

In addition, patients should have access to information on why they are being prescribed this medication and what to expect.

Insurance companies also need to be educated on specialty medications. Since these medications are expensive, they are usually not covered or require a prior authorization. Many insurance companies are unaware of the patients conditions that require these high cost medications. Since most medications are categorized into a tier system, many patients have a delay in treatment due to taking medications the insurance companies require them to try regardless if the provider or pharmacist knows it won’t help.

The more education provided about these medications, the better care the patients can receive.