Keeping Patients a Top Priority

The world continues to reel from COVID-19 and the effects of the pandemic, while people cope with the related societal, economic, and psychological consequences. These are trying times, especially for health care practitioners. Together, as managed care pharmacy professionals, we face challenges to patient care. One example involves two anti-malarial drugs, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, often prescribed to people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis to alleviate inflammation.

While medical experts warn there is no definitive evidence, anecdotes suggest that these drugs could help treat COVID-19. As a result, needed supplies of the drugs are harder to come by for patients with the autoimmune disorders. Earlier this week, The Washington Post reported March data from Premier, Inc., a network of more than 4,000 hospitals and health systems. For chloroquine, there was a 300 percent week-over-week increase in orders; for hydroxychloroquine, there was a 70 percent week-over-week increase in orders.

The New York Times reports pharmacy boards in four states — Texas, Ohio, Idaho, and Nevada — have worked quickly to restrict who can be prescribed the drugs and how much of the drug can be prescribed. Other state boards are following suit.

Meanwhile, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that his state would begin conducting a clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment, including testing chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin.

Improving patient outcomes

The situation with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine illustrates the importance of what health plans and pharmacy benefit managers do every day. Critical health care processes, such as prior authorization and utilization management, help promote appropriate prescribing and protect patients from dangerous side effects and unproven treatments, while contributing to overall public health.

These are straining times, especially for those in health care professions. At AMCP, we continue to explore innovative ways to support and advocate for our members and stakeholders in helping patients get the medicines they need at a cost they can afford. Keep visiting our website for information and important announcements. Thank you for your steadfast dedication to health care.