This Week in Pharmacy – November 9, 2024
Episode Title: Addressing Patient Needs and Advocacy with Jennifer Noonan, VP of Clinical Strategy and Patient Engagement
Show Notes: In this insightful episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Jennifer Noonan, Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Patient Engagement at Accessia Health, to discuss the current and future landscape of patient care. Join us as we explore the unique needs of patients, particularly within specialty pharmacy, and uncover resources that can provide crucial support.

Conversation Highlights:

Current State of Patient Care
- Jennifer shares her perspective on the pressing needs of patients today and whether their financial, educational, and advocacy needs are being adequately met.
- We delve into the varying needs of patients with different disease states and explore the specific support required for those navigating complex healthcare journeys.
- Discussion points include:
  - Financial Assistance – Understanding the essential financial support patients seek and how various programs step in to alleviate the burden.
  - Patient Advocacy and Education – Highlighting the importance of patient education programs and recent efforts like the CMS webinar series to empower patients.
  - Health Equity and SDOH – Addressing the gaps in social determinants of health and equity in care, and how they impact patient outcomes.
Resources Available to Patients
- Jennifer discusses often-overlooked resources like Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), especially Accessia Health’s support beyond copay assistance.
- Listeners gain insight into:
  - Financial Support Programs – Beyond the basics, Accessia Health provides comprehensive assistance tailored to specific patient needs.
  - Educational Programs – How initiatives such as CMS webinars bridge knowledge gaps and empower patients to make informed choices.
  - Filling Gaps in Health Equity – Steps being taken to close disparities and ensure all patients have access to equitable care.
Future of Specialty Pharmacy and Patient Engagement
- Jennifer shares her outlook on the changes expected in the specialty pharmacy space over the next few years.
- Topics include:
  - Rising Healthcare Costs and Legislation – How the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and upcoming CMS changes could reshape the landscape for patients.
  - Cell and Gene Therapy Advances – The impact of groundbreaking treatments and the importance of ensuring patients have access to these innovations.
Getting in Touch with Accessia Health
- Jennifer concludes with ways patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can connect with Accessia Health to learn more about the resources and support available.

Connect with Us: For more information about this episode and to reach out to Accessia Health, visit AccessiaHealth.org. Don’t forget to subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy for the latest insights in healthcare and pharmacy.

Join us as we uncover how healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates can come together to address today’s challenges and build a more inclusive future for all.

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