Skip to main content

Q&A: Streamlining specialty

3/8/2012
[audio mp3="https://www.drugstorenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/LarryIreneQA_AC.mp3"][/audio]

In January, specialty pharmacy group contracting organization Armada Health Care introduced ApproveRx, a Web-based system that it says will greatly streamline the prior authorization process and already has been adopted by Amber Pharmacy. Meanwhile, the company also is gearing up for the Armada Summit at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel in May. Recently, Drug Store News spoke with Armada CEO Larry Irene about these recent developments.


DSN: How did Armada develop the ApproveRx 
system?

Larry Irene: ApproveRx was developed as an extension of Armada’s ReachRx Prior Authorization Service, which utilizes our expert staff to manage the prior authorization process and obtain approvals. ApproveRx meets the needs of healthcare professionals requiring a “do-it-yourself” solution to streamline and expedite prior authorizations. The free, Web-based tool can be accessed via a standard browser and used for all drugs, including specialty medications.

DSN: How will ApproveRx make a difference in how specialty pharmacies handle prior authorizations?

Irene: ApproveRx has a library of more than 6,000 prior authorization forms for virtually all drugs and insurance plans. With ApproveRx, healthcare professionals can quickly find prior authorization forms and submit them to prescribers or insurance plans in minutes. ApproveRx’s at-a-glance dashboard allows pharmacies and prescribers to efficiently track open and submitted prior authorizations so they can focus on caring for patients.

DSN: What issues do you foresee as the main focus at the Armada Summit in May?

Irene: The Armada Summit continues to deliver our attendees in-depth discussions and presentations that impact their daily business. Key areas of focus for the event in May will include technology’s evolving role in specialty, [risk evaluation mitigation strategies], the potential impact of potential managed care contracting strategies and the specialty pipeline.
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds