TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Union Health announced the launch of an on-site specialty pharmacy service on Tuesday. The service will further the integrated health system’s efforts to provide seamless care to patients who require complex, expensive medications through coordinated support from highly trained specialty pharmacy team members.
Patients across the Wabash Valley require specialty medications to manage cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, migraines and other conditions. Monthly out-of-pocket costs for these therapies can reach thousands of dollars, making it challenging for patients to afford vital treatments. Many patients also require ongoing support to successfully adhere to their therapy regimens and manage side effects.
Dan Cleveland, Union Health’s Systems Director of Pharmacy Services, said, “Traditionally, a lot of these patients have to receive these specialty medications elsewhere or throughout the state or even nationally, so we’re happy to bring it to the community and serve these patients here locally.”
Cleveland explained the benefit of the new system. “A lot of times when the patient gets the order prescribed by the provider, they have to wait days to weeks to get it,” he said. “We’ll be able to provide it to them within 24 to 48 hours.”
“Union Health is committed to eliminating the barriers that prevent many patients from starting and staying on their specialty medications,” said Rhonda Smith, MSN, RN, NE-BC, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Union Health. “With our on-site specialty pharmacy services, patients and their families will now have access to dedicated team members focused on guiding them through every step of their medication journey.”
The Union Health specialty pharmacy is currently supporting patients receiving cancer and rheumatology care at the Hux Center. Pharmacists and pharmacy liaisons are embedded in clinics alongside other caregivers to provide patients the comprehensive, integrated care needed to improve medication access and achieve the best outcomes from their therapies.
To create a seamless experience for patients and their families, on-site pharmacy liaisons manage financial assistance applications, insurance authorizations, medication refills and more. In addition, patients receive medication education and ongoing counseling from on-site pharmacists who will collaborate with other care providers to ensure the improvement of the patient’s overall well-being.
“We’re excited to bring best-in-class specialty pharmacy care to the Terre Haute community,” said Dan Cleveland, Pharm.D., BCPS, system pharmacy director at Union Health. “By offering high-touch, personalized specialty pharmacy services on-site at Union Health, we can significantly enhance the therapy experience for our patients with chronic and complex conditions.”
Union Health’s specialty pharmacy will be developed and operated in partnership with Trellis Rx, a leading technology-enabled specialty pharmacy services provider. Services will be expanded to additional clinics throughout 2021 and 2022. To learn more, contact Union Health’s specialty pharmacy service at (888) 850-2679.
