Clinical Account Executives are highly experienced pharmacists with diverse backgrounds in retail, infusion care and complex healthcare systems. Every CastiaRx client has one – and if you have not yet worked with your clinical account executive, now is a great time to make that connection.
With a deep understanding of cost drivers, these experts are able to recognize opportunities for savings and recommend steps to take control of costs. “We uncover hidden opportunities for our clients,” says Micah Howell, PharmD. “As clinical experts, we analyze plan metrics, provide guidance on plan design and market trends, and recommend solutions for improving plan performance.”
Most clients are interested in saving money with as little member disruption as possible. In January, as a new client came on board, Micah paved the way in the weeks prior, calling a subset of members to proactively talk about their medications, their new pharmacy plan and answering their questions. For the same client, he provided insight into cost savings that resulted in a decision to implement prior authorization for brand name medications for the treatment of ADHD and acne. With members trying generics first before more expensive, brand drugs, anticipated savings have been achieved.
“At times, we’re simply acting as an information resource,” Micah adds. “A broker recently called to talk about the potential of switching a specialty medication from the medical benefit to the pharmacy benefit. He was interested in how we would facilitate that change.”
Specialty, of course, is an area of growing client concern. “As a Diplomat company, we’re able to offer better solutions for clients financially and for their members clinically,” Micah concludes. “We’re more powerful today, with more ways of handling specialty medications.” If it’s time to fine-tune your plan, reduce specialty costs or drill down into specific drug classes that are driving your pharmacy trend, it’s time to meet with your clinical account executive. Contact your account manager to request a meeting.