Mitchell | Genex | Coventry
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Workers' Comp
Blog
Understanding Brand & Generic Utilization and Cost
In 2018, First Script realized a 0.6% increase in generic utilization.1 Generic medications contain the same active ingredient and approved indications as their brand name counterparts. An increase of 0.6% might not seem like a lot; however, when the difference in cost per script is considered, it is easy to see why a shift in favor of generic use is a win and can be a big cost saver.
Workers' Comp
Blog
What is an MCO?
More often than not clients will ask the question: What is an MCO? Well isn’t that a loaded question? If we take it at face value, a Managed Care Organization (MCO) is an organization that manages care. Like Coventry, who manages all types of “care” injured workers seek to get on the road to recovery. However, usually the question has more to do with State Certified Managed Care Programs, commonly referred to as MCOs. From there it gets clear as mud. While the general category of state certified programs may be commonly referred to as MCOs, when you get into the state specifics you won’t find it to be that easy.
Workers' Comp
Blog
Investigating the Top Therapeutic Classes
First Script saw a decrease in opioid utilization across our retail and mail-order programs in 2018. In 2017, opioids made up 29.7% of total prescriptions, dropping to 26.9% in 2018, and representing a 2.8% decrease in utilization year over year.
Workers' Comp
Blog
Will Naloxone Become Available for Purchase without a Prescription?
Today, there are two prescription products for use by laypersons. Namely, auto-injector (Evzio®) and intranasal (Narcan® Nasal Spray) naloxone. While they can be administered by someone outside of the healthcare profession, they are only obtainable with a prescription. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes an over the counter (OTC) version may remove barriers for obtaining naloxone, particularly for people who are not under the care of a physician or who may be hesitant to admit to issues with opioid abuse.
Workers' Comp
Blog
How Long is a Filled Prescription Good For? Does the Medication Ever Go Bad?
The expiration date indicates the time period the prescription drug can be expected to meet the claims of the Pharmacopeial monograph (information sheet provided with a medication), that it conforms to the recommended storage conditions. These dates are usually found on the manufacturer’s container and may be included on the prescription bottle label, depending on various state requirements.
Workers' Comp
Blog
Defining Formularies & Step Therapy Medications
HealthCare.gov defines a formulary as, a list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan offering prescription drug benefits. Typically, a “prior authorization” for coverage is needed when a medication is not listed on the formulary or requires step therapy. Management of the formulary is often maintained by a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), such as First Script. Meaning, when a medication is not on a formulary, First Script would start the prior authorization process to get approval for payment of the medication.