Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2019

KH . ORG 15 PHARMACY Specialty Comes to Kootenai Sometimes a drug prescription requires more than a trip to the typical retail pharmacy. The new Kootenai Health Specialty Pharmacy is now serving patients who need specialized drug therapy for complex medical conditions, such as hepatitis C, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other infectious or chronic diseases. “Specialty drugs are generally expensive and need to be used in very specific ways,” said Cindy Johnson, Kootenai Health pharmacy manager. “Our pharmacists look at all of the labs and medical records to make Kootenai patients can benefit! The Specialty Pharmacy is available by referral and is not open to the general public. If you think the Specialty Pharmacy might be a good option for you, talk with your physician or call (877) 304-4334 . sure the patient is on the right medication, and we work with the doctors to ensure our patients are getting the most benefit from the therapy.” Collaborating closely with providers in Kootenai’s specialty clinics, specially trained pharmacists create a customized care plan for each patient. Services include education, counseling and regular check-ins with the patient throughout treatment. Specialty drugs aren’t readily available at average retail pharmacies, and they can be costly. For example, medication for hepatitis C can cost up to $1,000 per pill. Kootenai’s specialty pharmacy staff coordinate with a patient’s insurance company to help expedite authorization. They also connect patients to resources to help with steep co-pays and out- of-pocket expenses. “We care about our patients, and we want to provide the best service possible,” said Jake Chapman, Kootenai Health Pharmacy business manager. “By adding specialty pharmacy to Kootenai Health’s family of services, we are able to provide personal support to help these patients overcome hurdles so they can get on their medication and get better more quickly.” By Stacie Jones