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. Step therapy is the concept of a patient trying a first-line recommended medication before taking a “step up” to a medication that costs more and/or has less supporting evidence of effectiveness. Typically, a formulary (aka, drug list) shows where a medication is regarding “step” in therapy and what conditions need to be met before the medication is approved for payment. The medications on a drug list and the conditions of step therapy can be determined in several ways. However, The Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) from the Work Loss Data Institute and the Practice Guidelines from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) are tailored to workers’ compensation. In the case of workers’ comp, many factors may go into step therapy requirements and formulary placement, including work-relatedness, cost of the medication, place in therapy, treatment guidelines, availability of alternative agents, and evidence-based medicine (EBM) resources.
More stories
Watch On Demand
Virtual Event
Drug Trends Analysis Webinar
On-Demand
Evaluating an ever-changing pharmacy landscape in workers’ compensation
Risk & Insurance
In the News
The Cannabis Conundrum: How Federal Policy Hampers Workers’ Comp’s Reimbursement for Medical Use
Workers' Comp
Article
Healthy Eating Even When You're Stressed
When your life gets hectic, finding time to shop for fresh food or prepare healthy meals can be hard. And it might feel like a hassle.
Workers' Comp
News Release
Enlyte Acquires Therapy Direct from Upstream Rehabilitation
Deal presents a natural extension of Enlyte’s services in the P&C industry SAN DIEGO, Calif.—Enlyte, a
Workers' Comp
Article
Ask The Pharmacist: Ozempic for Addiction Treatment
Could Ozempic be a potential breakthrough in addiction treatment? Addiction is a pervasive a
Workers' Comp
Article
Specialty Solutions Spotlight: Translation, Transcription and Interpretation Services in Workers’ Comp
Why is translation one of the most requested and used services in workers’ comp? According to a recent census report the number of people