The Top 4 Pharmaceutical Technology Trends of 2016

At some point, every business takes the time to evaluate the productivity, growth, and opportunity of their company. This includes the pharmaceutical technology sector. Each year, pharmacy techs and representatives take a close look at what direction their industry is going. During 2016, pharmaceutical technology has provided patients with some exciting new trends.

Top 4 Pharmaceutical Technology Trends of 2016

The top pharmaceutical trends of 2016 include programs to benefit patients, as well as programs and technology that will help streamline the pharmaceutical businesses in Michigan and around the country.

1. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription drug addiction and overdose is a very real problem in this country. Drug overdoses took the lives of 38,300 people back in 2010; 22,000 of which were the result of prescription drug overdoses, particularly opioids. Families are losing loved ones, and the problem only seems to be escalating. Thankfully, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and the authorities are taking steps to prevent this problem from getting any worse. One such step is a prescription drug monitoring program. Electronic prescriptions and monitoring will help doctors recognize when a medication is being abused. Such technology also helps doctors and pharmacists catch potentially deadly prescription combinations.

2. Pharmacy Analytics

Pharmacy analytics is a way for the industry to monitor patient spending, patient care, the quality of patient care and drug use. Such information can help a company make more responsible decisions financially and clinically.

3. Medication Therapy Management

Medication Therapy Management, or MTM, is a program that helps pharmacists provide their clientele with better service and resources. Pharmacists are highly trained and oftentimes know more about medications and drug interactions than doctors. With this knowledge, pharmacists can better explain the medications to their customers, and offer support in other areas. The pharmacist can help their patients stick to their prescribed drug program, recommend and supply immunizations, recommend changes in drug dosages, and order lab tests. These programs have been able to identify gaps in patient care, help the patient and pharmacy save money, and have managed to make the pharmaceutical technology industry more patient-centric.

4. Financial Assistance Programs

Another great provision patients can receive through their pharmacy is financial assistance. Michigan pharmacies have been able to save their customers a lot of money through their programs for financial assistance pharmacy Michigan techs help their customers apply for and utilize such programs, something that would be intimidating, if not difficult, for many patients. With the implementation of financial assistance, more patients are getting the medications they desperately need.

Pharmacy Technicians Have Patient’s Best Interests at Heart

The pharmaceutical industry is working hard to improve their business structure by creating plans, programs, and technology that will help them to better serve their patients. One of the most exciting of these programs is patient financial assistance. Michigan pharmacy techs are excited to help their customers save money wherever possible. With the implementation of these and other top pharmaceutical technology trends of 2016, pharmacies can improve their bottom line while protecting and serving their customers.

4 Ways Pharmacies Are Becoming Even More Patient-Centric

Pharmacies have a reputation for being patient-centric; in other words, their #1 focus is patient care and satisfaction. This ideal model goes back to the 1800s when Dr. Adam Carl opened the first drug store. It is something that pharmacists throughout the years have been proud of, and they’re constantly looking for ways to improve even more.

4 Ways Pharmacies Prove That Patients Are Their Top Priority

Pharmacists have a lot of knowledge and are constantly staying updated on the latest medications to hit the market. So, when it comes to finding out about possible side effect, desired results and drug interactions, the pharmacist is the go-to person.

While pharmacists strive to help patients with their knowledge of medicine, they have the strong desire to help patients out even more. Here are 4 ways that pharmacists are proving to the public that the patient is their #1 priority.

1. Becoming a Financial Assistance Pharmacy in Michigan

Almost 60 percent of Americans are now taking a prescription drug. Many of these people are middle class and low income. With the increased cost of medications and living in general, buying medicine is often a hardship. That’s why more pharmacies are offering financial assistance.

A financial assistance pharmacy Michigan is one in which pharmacy staff research financial assistance opportunities and help patients sign up for these programs. In many industries, it is the patient or consumer’s responsibility to investigate and sign up for financial aid. A financial assistance pharmacy in Michigan, as well as others around the US, believes more patients will be able to have their prescriptions filled if they get assistance every step of the way. Making the process just one step simpler takes a great burden off of patients.

2. Offering Home Delivery

Many of the patients on medications are elderly, disabled or infirm. A pharmacy that truly cares about the patients who come to them will provide some sort of “ease of access” to their medications. Some pharmacies offer drive-thru prescription filling, while others offer free home delivery.

3. Working Hand-in-Hand with Doctors and Insurance Companies

Pharmacy staff knows how confusing insurance benefit, premium, deductible and co-pay information can be. It can be particularly stressful and confusing when a patient is sick. That’s why pharmacy staff work with patients, the doctors and the insurance companies to get a patient’s benefits figured out and find the best, most affordable medication option for them.

4. Providing Alternative Information That Patients Need

Patients don’t just need to know about their drugs; they have other needs too. That’s why pharmacies offer educational information about how to stay healthy with or without medication. Topics they are ready, willing and able to discuss with patients include diet, exercise, sleep and mental health.

Patient Advocates—Always Putting the Patient First

By providing excellent patient services and not simply focusing on medications, pharmacists can help the patients that come to them feel truly cared for. Putting forth some extra effort is just another way that pharmacies continue to put their patients first.

Myths About Chronic Conditions Debunked

Unless someone has a chronic condition, or treats people with chronic conditions, it can be difficult to understand what exactly this illness is. Chronic conditions are characterized as any illness, disorder, syndrome or disability that is long lasting and most commonly has no known cure. When people think of chronic conditions, they often think of someone who is bedridden 24/7 or who can’t lead a normal life. While people with chronic conditions do live differently than those who don’t have an illness, people diagnosed with chronic or acute illnesses can still lead fulfilling, happy lives. Here are ten untrue myths about living with chronic conditions.

7 Untrue Myths About Acute And Chronic Illnesses 1. Chronic Health Conditions Aren’t Life Threatening Unfortunately, this statement is very untrue. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes can all lead to death. On top of that, chronic conditions can also cause even more serious problems. Arthritis, one of the leading chronic conditions, is the number one cause of disability. 2. There’s No Financial Assistance For People With Chronic Conditions This is simply untrue, as most health insurance companies cover the costs of living with chronic or acute illnesses. In fact, a financial assistance pharmacy Michigan will help with the cost of medication. This alone or coupled with health insurance helps in making the cost of medication and treatment more affordable for people living with acute and chronic illnesses.

3. Chronic Conditions Only Happen To The Elderly Actually, over half of the people with chronic conditions are under the age of 70. 4. Chronic Conditions Are A Result Of Laziness Even the healthiest of people can be diagnosed with chronic conditions; however, their risk is much lower. Also, people who have poor diets and don’t exercise are more likely to develop a chronic condition, but the statement that laziness is the cause is untrue, since at the end of the day there are several factors and virtually anyone can get a chronic illness. In fact, chronic conditions like asthma can be present as soon as someone is born. Arthritis and osteoporosis are also chronic conditions that often times happen to people who lead highly active lifestyles. 5. Chronic Conditions Aren’t Preventable Actually, chronic conditions are one of the most highly preventable diseases. A few chronic conditions that are preventable are heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.

6. Chronic Conditions Are Rare A study conducted in 2012 showed that one in four American adults had two or more chronic conditions. Also, of the ten leading causes of death in 2010, seven of them were chronic illnesses. 7. There Are Very Few Chronic Conditions There are actually several chronic conditions that plague people all over the world. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, COPD, Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, obesity, ALS and stroke are just a few illnesses categorized as chronic conditions. Chronic conditions plague many people in the world, and unfortunately often times go untreated. If one goes to a financial assistance pharmacy in Michigan and all over the United States, he or she can lead their best life possible while living with chronic and acute illnesses.

What to Know About a Financial Assistance Pharmacy in Michigan

Every year, millions of people around the country find that they can’t pay for healthcare costs. From major surgeries to unexpected healthcare bills and simple procedures gone wrong, there are dozens of ways to wind up in financial trouble over medical expenses. This is why organizations like a financial assistance pharmacy in Michigan are working to help alleviate financial stress. 

While many customers aren’t familiar with what a financial assistance pharmacy Michigan does, these simple organizations offer many unique benefits that can uplift entire populations.

5 Key Traits

1. Locating monetary relief programs

One of the main functions of these establishments is to connect consumers with programs meant to help relieve the financial burden of healthcare expenses. Regardless of a patient’s age, sex, occupation, or education levels, there are generally programs available that can help offset the weight of medical expenses. Professionals in this industry will help locate these programs and assist consumers in applying for them.

2. Insurance partnerships

Professionals in these organizations also work closely with various insurance companies to ensure that the company gets the documentation it needs to pay a claim and that claims never go unpaid simply because of clerical errors. What’s more, professionals at these establishments can also help counsel customers about what their insurance options are and which companies are liable to pay the highest claims for which benefits.

3. Support

Many customers don’t understand their options and are ill-equipped to make healthcare decisions due to the minimal information they have about costs, claims, and expenses. To mitigate this, professionals in this field often spend time counseling patients about their various options and ensuring that everyone gets what is needed out of a medical encounter. Finally, professionals in these organizations may work together with patients to update insurance information and ensure that everything is accurate and current.

4. Generic drug recommendations

Specialists in these organizations have a broad knowledge of prescription drugs, and are well-equipped to make cost recommendations when a generic drug is going to be less expensive than a name-brand option. While these drugs do not sacrifice anything in the way of functionality or effectiveness, they can help lower a patient’s healthcare costs dramatically.

5. Simplicity

Many customers appreciate having a specialist, pharmacist, and insurance expert all in one place, and professionals at organizations like this are fantastic resources for the people they serve. In addition to providing quality information and support, these professionals also simplify the medical process and ensure that customers are getting what they need from their trips to the pharmacy. While this is not true in every such organization, customers value this streamlined and simplified approach when and where it is present. 

Healthcare needs are universal and professionals at establishments that work with patients to lower costs and discover options are often considered indispensable. While these organizations aren’t universal, they can be a helpful resource for patients who need quality care at affordable prices. 

Programs for Financial Pharmacy Assistance in Michigan

Many Americans are prescribed medications daily to help treat various diseases. However, due to lack of insurance coverage and the fact that co-payments are expensive, the majority of these people are not able to pay for their prescriptions. Many Michigan residents are among this group of Americans who cannot afford to pay for proper treatment of various medical conditions because they are financially disadvantaged. 

This is where financial assistance pharmacy Michigan costs programs come in to help people in need of help in order to fill a prescription. It is for this reason that various government programs and charities were established to offer these Americans discounted programs to cater to their pharmaceutical needs.

Medicaid

Disadvantaged Americans can use Medicaid to find programs that provide discounted pharmaceutical services. The programs offer financial assistance to those in need of filling prescriptions for medications. Since Medicaid focuses more on the needs of families, households with many occupants are usually given high priority when allocated financial aid. Individuals whose income lies below the state poverty line can also enjoy the benefits that come with discounted prescription programs.

RX Hope

RX Hope is a program run by a private organization with an emphasis on particular medications. The program does not assist people with prescriptions for pain relief, but those dealing with mental illnesses. The program covers almost all medications for mental problems.

Needy Meds

Needy Meds is a critical service that links Michigan residents to programs and organizations that offer financial assistance for pharmacy services. A needy Michigan resident only has to visit the program’s official website to access a list of organizations that offer financial aid to help those in need of filling prescriptions.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is a program that specifically targets senior citizens above the age of 65. It provides various options to patients that need to fill prescriptions yet cannot afford to do so. It comes with prescription plans that provide standard pharmaceutical benefits; these are not effective enough for patients in need of specialty medications. Medicare Advantage plans, however, can cater to patients that need specialty drugs. These programs, just like PPOs and HMOs, create discounted prescription plans that see patients pay a small copayment fee for their medications.

Extra Help

This is a program accessible to Medicare patients. The government takes care of a large amount of prescription costs for patients enrolled in this program. In some cases, it is possible for patients to have all their prescription costs paid by the program. Patients who apply for financial assistance for their pharmacy needs in Michigan receive mail in yellow envelopes containing acceptance letters. Before receipt of this mail, applicants receive mail in a purple envelope, indicating eligibility for discounted offers.

Sometimes, the Social Security office also sends out notices to let applicants know of the availability of the Extra Help program services to them. Receipt of a letter in an orange envelope indicates an acceptance for discounted co-payment prescription fees. Senior citizens can access the treatment they need through this program for healthy and happy living.

How Financial Assistance in Michigan Pharmacies Benefits Patients

In the current global economy, with the rising medical insurance premiums, it can be understandable that patients have a much harder time obtaining the prescription drugs they need at an affordable price. Choosing the services of a financial assistance pharmacy Michigan can alleviate some of the financial stress associated with purchasing prescription medication.

The best way for a patient to ensure that they benefit from increased savings is to look for the required medication in more than one pharmacy. In case of emergency, however, it could be dangerous to waste time going from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the right medication, and even harder to find it at an affordable price. Luckily, a lot of pharmacies provide detailed information about prescription drugs for multiple ailments on their websites, and if more information is required, they most certainly provide a customer support services, online, over the phone or both.

After finding a pharmacy with affordable medicines and reliable customer services, most patients will stick to it, considering it the easiest way to get the proper treatment fast and cheap. For ongoing treatments, a financial aid pharmacy in Michigan will be able to provide much needed funding and eliminate life threatening treatment interruptions. All patients need to do is provide the proper documentation and fit certain eligibility criteria to benefit from the assistance programs.

Criteria the Patients of a Financial Assistance Pharmacy in Michigan Will Have to Meet

While a patient does not have to meet every criterion on the list, it could certainly be beneficial to them if they make their troubles known to the pharmacy providing the services. Here are a few examples:

• If the patient’s insurance program has really high co-pay (the set amount of money that is being paid from the patient’s pocket when benefiting from services such as doctor appointments, buying prescription medicine, therapy etc.), Michigan pharmacy financial assistance programs can offer a much more advantageous deal.

• Similarly, patients can be eligible for one of these programs if their insurance plan features a costly deductible (the amount of money that needs to be paid out of pocket in a year before the insurance plan starts to actually benefit the patient with its share of the cost).

• Regardless of whether or not the patient has access to the Medicare social security benefits, if they are eligible for any of the A, B, or D parts, the financial aid services provided by Michigan pharmacies will prove advantageous.

• Finally, a financial aid program can help, most of all, those that do not have any coverage whatsoever for prescription medication and are most likely already living on a limited income for their entire family (either minimum wage or on a welfare system).

Most patients are not very sure, or are uninformed on what benefits they could obtain from such a program, but the staff of any financial assistance pharmacy in Michigan should have the patience required to explain exactly how patients can make their lives easier by reducing the amount of time and money spent in lines or traveling around the city looking for the right payment plan.

Source: http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-18156-136386--,00.html

Help Is on the Way: Financial Assistance Pharmacy in Michigan

Thousands of citizens are prescribed medications to treat illnesses and diseases every day, yet the majority cannot afford to fill prescriptions due to expensive co-payments and lack of proper insurance. Many residents in Michigan are among those unable to receive proper treatment for medical conditions due to financial constraints. For these individuals, filling a prescription is only possible with additional assistance. Such as the reason why charities and various government programs offer discounted programs for pharmaceutical needs.

In Addition to Medicaid

Medicaid offices are a great source for finding programs that offer discounted pharmaceutical services. These programs do not fill prescriptions but rather provide financial assistance to individuals in need. Households with several occupants are usually given top priority since the central focus of Medicaid is servicing the needs of families. Single individuals can also reap the benefits of a discounted prescription program if their income is below the state poverty line.

RX Hope

This program is provided through a private organization and focuses on certain medications. While RX Hope may not give financial assistance for prescriptions that relieve pain, the company will offer help to those battling with mental illnesses. Mostly all psychotropic medications are covered through this program.

Needy Meds

While not an actual program that offers discounts, Needy Meds is a vital service that connects individuals with corporations and programs that provide financial assistance pharmacy in Michigan. One visit to the website will unlock a list of nearby organizations that help those in financial need of filling prescriptions given by doctors.

Medicare Part D

Reserved for senior citizens over the age of 65, Medicare Part D offers a number of options to patients in need of filling prescriptions. Medicare prescription drug plans offer standard pharmaceutical benefits that do little to assist patients in the instance of them needing specialty drugs. It is in these times that Medicare Advantage plans are essential.

These plans operate like HMOs and PPOs by coming with a prescription plan that only charges the patient a small copayment.

There is also a program available to Medicare patients called Extra Help. Individuals enrolled in the system can have a large portion of their prescription costs taken care of by the government. In some instances, individuals can see all of their prescription needs paid for by Extra Help.

Those who receive yellow envelopes in the mail can count on being enrolled in the program and reaping the benefits of financial assistance pharmacy Michigan. A purple notice typically comes before an acceptance letter to inform patients that they are eligible for discounted offers. Individuals may also get notice from the Social Security office telling them that Extra Help is available to them. Recipients who do not receive full assistance from the program will typically have an orange letter sent to them that guarantees a reduction in co-payment fees. Regardless of the amount of assistance given, Extra Help is a great way for senior citizens to receive the treatment necessary for them to be healthy and happy.