Physicians have been working hard to improve asthma care, and a recent paper by J. Allen Meadows, MD, highlights the role of innovative treatments in this effort. In particular, the paper focuses on biologics and how they are changing the way providers tailor care for patients with asthma.
While these new treatments offer exciting possibilities for patients with asthma, there are barriers that need to be addressed to ensure that they can access them promptly. Utilization management tactics like prior authorization and step therapy can delay patients from receiving their treatment when they need it most. Pharmacy benefit managers may also create formularies that exclude innovative treatments, forcing patients to use less effective medications. Additionally, copay diversion programs can make it difficult for patients to obtain their medication at an affordable price, leading to significant out-of-pocket costs.
Organizations like ICER play a role in determining whether a medication receives coverage without considering patient values and perspectives. It is essential that policies be put in place to reduce these barriers and make innovative asthma treatments more accessible to patients who need them.
J. Allen Meadows, MD, emphasizes the importance of the right treatment for patients with asthma, as it can have a significant impact on their quality of life and health outcomes. He notes the remarkable advancements in asthma treatments during his lifetime and looks forward to seeing what other innovations will emerge in the future.
The Alliance for Patient Access is a network of healthcare providers who advocate for patient-centered care and work towards ensuring that patients have access to innovative treatments that can improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma.
