In-Workflow Technology Can Help Improve Outcomes

RTBC and ePA Save Time For Providers

Real-time benefit check (RTBC) and electronic prior authorization (ePA) are two solutions that integrate into a provider’s existing EHR, providing prescription decision support and improving workflow efficiency at the point of prescribing. With prescription decision support solutions, providers can surface patient benefit information, prescription cost, formulary alternatives, cash price options and pharmacy details so they can facilitate open, constructive conversations with their patients about medication access.

By engaging patients at the point of prescribing, providers can help patients make more informed healthcare decisions, with clear options laid out in front of them. Through visibility, an effective RTBC solution has led to nearly 20 percent more patients picking up their prescriptions from the pharmacy. ^[1]RxBenefit Clarity Helps Improve Medication Adherence by nearly 20 Percent, Cision PR Newswire, 2019 This patient adherence has the potential to reduce readmission rates and avoid future illnesses.

Stay On Course With Prescribed Treatments

Though RTBC can surface possible medication alternatives, the best route for patients is usually their originally prescribed medication – which may require a prior authorization. In one study, an overwhelming 76 percent of physicians stated they’ve switched treatments at least once to avoid dealing with the PA process.^[2]Steffen, B., Sharp, D. Recommendations for Implementing Electronic Prior Authorization: a report prepared for the Maryland General Assembly Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. December 2011. Often, these are brand medications patients have come to know and trust, and a switch could decrease medication adherence, leading to worsening health outcomes.^[3]The Impact of the Prior Authorization Process on Branded Medications: Physician Preference, Pharmacist Efficiency and Brand Market Share. Frost & Sullivan

Completing PA requests electronically eases the burden for both providers and their staff by streamlining office efficiency and reducing time spent in communication with health plans and pharmacies.

During a recent study, 65 percent of medications were dispensed to patients within one hour when PA requests were completed electronically.^[2]Steffen, B., Sharp, D. Recommendations for Implementing Electronic Prior Authorization: a report prepared for the Maryland General Assembly Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. December 2011. By comparison, it took a full day before any medications were dispensed when PA requests were completed manually via phone calls and faxes.^[4]Improving Medication Access Through Network Connections to Impact More Patients, Drug Channels, 2019

An End-To-End Solution For Everyone

With an end-to-end solution, IntelligentPA catches the prescription requests that arrive at the pharmacy before a provider realizes they need a prior authorization. This solution initiates PA requests for the provider automatically, getting medications in patient’s hands faster than without it, which ulimately improves medication adherence.

CoverMyMeds solutions integrate into the existing EHR, so workflow keeps flowing. Supported by these solutions, physicians are more inclined to prescribe their medication of choice and less likely to avoid a particular brand that may be associated with high PA volume.^[3]The Impact of the Prior Authorization Process on Branded Medications: Physician Preference, Pharmacist Efficiency and Brand Market Share. Frost & Sullivan

To see your EHR’s integration status with CoverMyMeds solutions, go to this link and click “Is my EHR integrated?”