Teladoc Health launches specialty pharmacy service

Virtual health-care company Teladoc Health is launching a specialty pharmacy services product aimed at combatting rising prescription drug costs using analytics and medical opinions.

“So many people find themselves taking a medication for an extended period of time with limited or no benefit and without the opportunity to fully understand why or learn of alternatives,” said Lewis Levy, chief medical officer of Teladoc Health. “With this solution, we are providing a unique opportunity to disrupt this cycle to deliver better value and improved health outcomes.”

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The service identifies plan members who may benefit from a review of their diagnoses, treatment plans and prescriptions. As well, clinical experts can look at an entire population, evaluate high-risk groups or identify individuals who would do well with a case review.

After the plan member agrees to participate, the clinical expert team works in tandem with case managers and the plan member to assess their case and validate their current treatment plan or recommend adjustments.

The Great-West Life Assurance Co. will be the first provider to offer the service, under the brand Script.

“What makes this program so exciting is that we can now leverage the power of our claims data and data analytics to proactively bring these life-changing services to our members that need them most, and at the same time, help our plan sponsors lower the cost of their benefits programs,” said Brad Fedorchuk, senior vice-president of group customer experience and marketing at Great-West Life.

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