Expect More From... Trusted Relationships!

Foundational Pharmacy Strategies is proud of the work accomplished this year. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement. 2023 was a year to listen. Listening is learning. Learning and knowledge are powerful when put into action, which is exactly what we intend to do in 2024!

Foundational Pharmacy Strategies is built upon returning to the basics: remove waste from the pharmacy benefit, work within trusted partnerships, and continuously innovate to meet the evolving healthcare industry. Due to the pharmacy (and healthcare) industry being ravaged by bad actors, we must be diligent to measure what matters while not letting fear and the actions of others to influence our ability to keep pressing forward.

When removing waste, one must be steadfast in reviewing waste within the proper context.  In our haste to cut back, we can question our intentions and hamper innovation. Does the problem still exist? Is it getting better or worse? Measure what matters. Know what you are paying for. Is the service value-add? If not, adjust but don’t give up!

Reflect on what a trusted partnership means to you. Do your vendors meet those expectations? Can you openly communicate and collaborate? If not, let go of those relationships not serving you and your organization. Move forward with aligned partners willing to serve your goals.  

Foundational Pharmacy Strategies will not sacrifice quality. We are aware that not all innovation meets our high expectations. Keep an open mind and seek solutions to problems that will undoubtedly get worse if we don’t act. Here are a few topics we see continuing in 2024 that have proven results, raising the bar:

Proactive mental health and substance use disorder monitoring; why wait until a member already has a problem when outreach behind the scenes to their provider is effective in preventing a downward spiral.

Holistic lifestyle coaching that does not operate in a vacuum. These partners understand that managing obesity, along with other chronic diseases, is more than a number on a scale; worse some vendors align incentives for patients to become sicker to qualify for medications! Kudos to the healthcare partners who are looking for the root cause, supporting the patient in their entirety and promoting long-term positive health behaviors.

Imaging and laboratory values with meaning and insight. In essence, do it right the first time and avoid numerous, costly (and frustrating) follow-up appointments typically resulting in higher acuity care in the end. Poke and prod methods without direction and treatment plans are checking the box for most wellness programs. Prior authorizations that seek responsiveness and minimize known adverse events are possible with the appropriate indicators. The market is rich (and the pipeline is bursting!) in biologics, gene therapies and other complex, expensive therapies. We are fortunate to have the ability of available testing to assist our decision making while leveraging AI to pull that necessary data without burden or delay.

Wishing you a merry and safe holiday season. Cheers to 2024!