January/February 2017

Specialty drug trend management typically focuses on drug formulations administered via a payer or plan sponsor pharmacy benefit, which overlooks drug spending occurring under a payer or plan sponsor medical benefit.

Advanced behavioral analytics can differentiate patterns of fraud and abuse from instances such as oncology patients receiving multiple prescriptions from different specialists.

A comprehensive review of new oncology molecular entities and previously approved oncology drugs that received expanded indications in 2016, as well as drugs approved in the final days of the year.

Current stage 3 trials for multiple sclerosis medications may address several unmet needs in the patient population.

Specialty pharmacies that offer effective medication therapy management and support are best suited to serve as arbiters of the next generation of value-based contracts.

Specialty pharmacies will need to carefully consider the effect of the final rule regarding Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors and Civil Monetary Penalty Law exceptions on their existing patient benefit programs.

With the growth of fitness apps, electronic health records, and telemedicine, mobile health is poised to enter the specialty pharmacy space.

If direct and indirect remuneration fees are to remain, the health care system must recognize that specialty pharmacies provide different services to patients.