An informative article was written by Lyndell C. Bridgeford and posted on the EBN Benefits News website. In the article, Bridgeford covers the topic of improving medication compliance and care coordination. Specifically, the article was following programs rolled out by Walgreens and CVS Caremark, popular retail pharmacy chains across the nation.
Although the goals of the two chains is the same, their approaches differ considerably. Brideford described that at Walgreens, the pharmacists who work there will be teaming-up with doctors, insurers, employers and managed care organizations in order to permit for a 90-day prescription drug supply for chronic states. The usual time period for prescription drug supply in America is 30 days.
Bridgeford went on to illustrate that at CVS Caremark, however, customers with personal health records run by the Microsoft Health Vault will be able to download their prescription information into their records. The Executive Vice President of CVS Caremark, Helena Foulkes, declared that “by enabling patients to download their prescription information directly into their personal health record, we are helping them access and maintain a more complete view of their medication history, one that can easily be shared and discussed with the health care providers who are managing their overall health.” Bridgeford continued to mention that the aim of the program is to aid consumers to become more aware, familiar with and have better control of their medication plans. By doing this, it ensures better care coordination with their doctors.
It was reported by Walgreens’ personnel that there is approximately a 15% increase in compliance to medications for patients receiving a 90-day retail prescription, as opposed to those receiving a 30-day supply. The President and CEO of Walgreens, Greg Wasson, reiterated that “we can positively impact adherence by encouraging out patients to receive a 90-day supply for their chronic medications. This program will lead to improved outcomes for patients and payors.”
Wasson pointed out that each 90-day prescription fill is equal to three times the volume of a 30-day fill. He also states that more than 24% of Medicare Part D the beneficiaries’ prescription volume at the company, along with 47% of the company’s prescription savings club members’ medication volume, are filled as 90-day supplies at the pharmacies.
