GBMC’s Specialty Pharmacy Program Puts Patients First

When dealing with an illness or a disease, medications are often necessary to help the body return to its healthiest state.

“Many people are aware of routine medications—things that control blood pressure, high cholesterol, or antibiotics,” says Yuliya Klopouh, M.H., Pharm.D, Executive Director of Pharmacy Services at GBMC HealthCare. “You can get those from any local pharmacy and they’re readily available.”

But there’s a unique category of medications, called specialty drugs, that are used to treat complex, chronic conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

“These types of medications require specific handling, special instructions, and/or may need to be administered by a medical professional,” explains Dr. Klopouh. “There is also often an exorbitantly high cost associated with these medications, which can make accessibility and affordability a struggle for some patients.”

GBMC is taking a novel approach to specialty pharmacy in a hospital setting.

“Most hospitals have a retail pharmacy within the building and then add a specialty pharmacy within the retail setting. We have set up a specialty pharmacy within GBMC that’s sole purpose is to serve our patients who need help accessing these types of medications.”

Dr. Klopouh says the specialty pharmacy program was set up in parallel with the financial advocacy program, which allows patients to get medications much faster and spend less time worrying about the associated costs.

“As soon as a prescription is given, the specialty pharmacy starts working on all the financial pieces that are required. Most patients can get their medications within hours, days at the most, whereas others using a retail pharmacy might have to wait weeks. And if they can’t afford it, they won’t take it.”

Easing the emotional and financial burden from patients is at the forefront of the specialty pharmacy program. Dr. Klopouh says oncology patients make up the majority of the population utilizing the specialty pharmacy program but adds that it’s available to anyone who needs it.

“They won’t have to worry about where they’re going to get it, or how they’re going to get it, or how will they afford it, which is the biggest thing.”

Patient advocacy is the primary focus of every program at GBMC, and Dr. Klopouh want patients to know there are people working for them throughout every step of their journey. But she stresses it’s up to the patient to communicate any questions or concerns they have.

“Don’t be quiet about what you need. We always attempt to be proactive and advocate for patients, but if you need assistance, ask, and it will be provided for you.”