Scientific Poster Session IV - Original Research

Original Research
  Tuesday, October 15, 2024
  08:30 AM–10:00 AM

Abstract

Introduction: High medication costs in the United States can result in medication access challenges for underserved patients. Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are programs provided by pharmaceutical companies that supply free or low-cost medications to underserved, low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. A team of pharmacists and pharmacy students implemented a pharmacy-run PAP service at the CommunityCare Clinic (CCC), one of the largest student-run free clinics in the United States, to enable consistent and affordable access to medications. This research seeks to showcase the unique, pharmacy-driven methodology for utilization of PAP programs for other clinics to replicate as well as showcasing the resulting annual medication savings.

Research Question or Hypothesis: To evaluate the annual medication savings from the use of pharmacy-implemented PAP programs.

Study Design: A retrospective review of estimated annual medication savings from the confirmed PAP applications with methodology for reproducible implementation.

Methods: Estimated annual medication savings utilized the specific national dispensing code (NDC) of the product, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) closest to the application date per FirstDataBank, the maximum quantity potentially received throughout the year based upon patient-specific directions, and product-specific pricing algorithms.

Results: Between 07/01/2023 and 5/31/2024, the CCC successfully fulfilled 24 PAP applications accounting for $153,135.89 in estimated annual medication savings:16 medications were for endocrine disorders accounting for $110,431.14, six medications were for pulmonary conditions accounting for $32,055.15, one medication was for neuropathic pain accounting for $3,412.75, and one medication was for thrombotic prophylaxis accounting for $7,236.86. There was a median difference of 7.5 days between the application and WAC dates, with an interquartile range of 14.25 days.

Conclusion: The CCC’s experience utilizing pharmacy-implemented PAP programs demonstrates pharmacy’s ability to advocate for underserved patients by enabling affordable and optimal health management.

Presenting Author

Andrew Fritz BSPS
The University of Toledo and CommunityCare Clinic (CCC)

Authors

Sarah Aldrich Renner PharmD, BCACP
The University of Toledo and CommunityCare Clinic (CCC)

Marilee Clemons PharmD, BCACP
University of Toledo and CommunityCare Clinic (CCC)

Sadie Pyle BSPS
University of Toledo and CommunityCare Clinic (CCC)

Jangus Whitner PharmD, BCACP, MHA, 340B ACE
CommunityCare Clinic