Shields, Sutter Health expand collaboration for patient access to specialty pharmacy services
Shields Health Solutions, a Walgreens-owned company, has expanded its work with Sutter Health, one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States. The companies seek to make specialty medications more accessible to those managing chronic health conditions and help improve their overall health.
This pharmacy collaboration aims to expand care to patients who receive specialty medications that help treat chronic, rare and complex conditions, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. It also will bring enhanced care coordination to nearly 3,000 providers. This effort will support the care teams at Sutter’s two dual-accredited specialty pharmacies—Sutter Health Specialty Pharmacy in Berkeley serving the entire Sutter Health network and East Bay Advanced Care Pharmacy in Oakland—by leveraging Shields’ integrated infrastructure, resources and expertise in the industry.
The collaboration also will offer additional support services, such as navigating insurance and financial assistance, to meet the unique needs of patients and provide access to specialized pharmacy services. Collectively, these efforts seek to offer lower costs, broader treatment options and enhanced medication management. Shields’ expansive access to payer networks and available drugs will give patients more choice in their specialty pharmacy and allow them to receive all their services through Sutter Health.
Read more: Report finds increase in specialty drug trend, spend]
Initially, Shields and Sutter Health’s work will focus on cancer, rheumatology and dermatology with the intention to expand in the future. Shields currently works with more than 80 health systems around the country, helping to reduce co-pays, promptly receive medication delivery and improve medication adherence.
“Sutter’s clinical teams are known for providing safe, high-quality care to patients with distinctive needs,” said Heidi Motz, executive vice president of commercial partnerships. “We complement the care they give by securing access to 90% of the limited distribution drugs and opening the door to restricted payer networks, helping improve therapy management, as well as helping make care more affordable and more coordinated.”
“Sutter is dedicated to clearing paths so patients can have greater access to care, and improving access to specialty medications is one example of our commitment,” said Ryan Stice, vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Sutter Health. “We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside other like-minded organizations that are focused on results and that place patients first.”
[Read more: Report: Specialty drug trend, costs will continue to rise]