Eyeworld

44 | EYEWORLD | SEPTEMBER 2020 by Ellen Stodola Editorial Co-Director G PHARMACEUTICAL FOCUS UCOMA W hen confronted with the problems of access to new brand name medications and the potential for generic drug shortages, many ophthalmolo- gists have started using specialty pharmacies. "Specialty pharmacies are a relatively new tool for ophthalmologists," said Nathan Radcliffe, MD. "I first learned of specialty pharmacies from a colleague in dermatology who was surprised ophthalmologists don't use specialty pharmacies to the degree that derma- tologists do." These are smaller pharmacies that are focused on providing services to patients and doctors rather than treating them as a number, he said. Dr. Radcliffe said the specialty pharmacy he has worked with is committed to getting patients the medicine prescribed by the doctor, one way or another. "They take it upon them- selves to find coupons or get the prior autho- rization from the insurance company," he said. "It's been a good system, and I've been able to write brand name medications that I wasn't able to before." Why physicians use specialty pharmacies Robert Noecker, MD, began using specialty pharmacies several years ago when he was having a problem getting access to new brand- ed medications for patients through traditional pharmacy channels. "It was hard to get things at a reasonable price for the patient," he said. "We started using specialty pharmacies, and they're comfortable with eyecare, understand the issues, and can get the best price." Michael S. Cooper, OD, also uses special- ty pharmacies on a regular basis. "There are several reasons for transitioning into this realm, with the chief reason being they typically have a more hands-on approach," he said. "Similar to a technician or scribe remembering my habits, so does the specialty pharmacy, [which] in some cases [is] on a first name basis along with recall- ing my prescribing tendencies for a particular disease state." Dr. Cooper said these specialty pharmacies seem to have better pricing for certain products with the added benefit of ad- judicating the coupons on premises, which cuts down his practice administrative time. Dr. Cooper also pointed to the connection to the community that specialty pharmacies have. "They are small business owners who live and breathe the day-to-day challenges we all face, especially during this pandemic," he said. "I know of several specialty pharmacies who went the extra mile before others caught on and began to deliver medications curbside and to the patient's doorstep." According to Jason Bacharach, MD, spe- cialty pharmacies come in "a lot of different flavors." He noted that many have contracts with branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. This is efficient and cost effective for the pa- tient to get a high quality, branded product, he said. Sometimes, he added, there may be extra legwork required in the office for technicians to recall what specialty pharmacies to send what prescription to, but there is a trend that special- ty pharmacies will work with multiple manufac- turers, which eases the process. Dr. Bacharach said these pharmacies don't have to be in a certain locale since most spe- cialty pharmacies will mail prescriptions to the patient. Utilizing specialty pharmacies About the doctors Jason Bacharach, MD North Bay Eye Associates Petaluma, California Michael S. Cooper, OD Solinsky EyeCare West Hartford, Connecticut Robert Noecker, MD Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut Fairfield, Connecticut Nathan Radcliffe, MD New York Eye Surgery Center New York, New York

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