Specialty drugs are offering new hope for many patients with complex medical conditions, yet they aren’t without their challenges.
In this episode of Podnosis, Heath Clendening is joined by Peter Demogenes, Senior Vice President of Product at Optum, who dives into the rapidly evolving specialty care space, exploring how health plans are managing specialty drugs and solutions to meet the demands of an evolving industry.
Indeed, Demogenes kicks off by outlining the two typical approaches that health plans take when managing specialty drugs:
- Individualized management: Some plans focus on addressing issues on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing medical benefits and using available tools to control costs and improve patient care independently.
- Holistic management: Other plans take a broader view, recognizing the interconnectedness of patients, providers, payers, and stakeholders. These plans aim to manage specialty care in a comprehensive manner, while still ensuring efficient and effective treatment.
The conversation then shifts to the critical role of innovation in specialty care, with Demogenes highlighting the importance of various solutions, advancements and collaborative efforts aimed at improving patient outcomes while reducing barriers such as cost.
One standout example is Optum’s Specialty Fusion™ program – a groundbreaking specialty medication management solution. Designed to simplify care for patients with complex conditions, this program not only lowers the cost of expensive specialty drugs but also streamlines treatment decision-making for healthcare providers, helping patients start their therapies sooner.
For a deeper dive into how such innovations are driving the evolution and improvement of specialty care, be sure to listen to the full episode.