#United States #Schaumburg #Clearway Health #Specialty Pharmacy #Lurie Children's Hospital

Lurie Children's Hospital to Establish Specialty Pharmacy in Collaboration with Clearway Health

In an exciting development for pediatric healthcare, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has partnered with Clearway Health to establish its first outpatient specialty pharmacy. This innovative pharmacy is scheduled to open its doors in late 2026 and will be located on the third floor of the new Outpatient and Infusion Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. The 2050 square foot facility aims to improve access to vital medications for children requiring complex therapies.

The specialty pharmacy is a key step forward for Lurie Children’s as it seeks to ensure that pediatric patients with intricate medical needs have equitable access to the medications they require. Often, these specialty medications are not available in conventional retail pharmacies, making it challenging for families to manage their children's medical care effectively. By integrating the pharmacy services within the hospital, patients will benefit from a more streamlined approach to their healthcare journey, minimizing interruptions and enhancing support throughout treatment.

Dr. Tom Shanley, the president and CEO of Lurie Children's, emphasized the hospital's commitment to a healthier future for all children. He stated, "Creating a specialty pharmacy with Clearway Health simplifies a process that is traditionally complex and daunting for families facing difficult situations. Our aim is to ensure that medications are provided promptly, accompanied by comprehensive care and support."

Personalized Care Embedded in Clinical Teams

The establishment of the specialty pharmacy will see skilled patient liaisons embedded within the various clinical teams at Lurie Children’s, covering departments such as pulmonary care, cystic fibrosis, rheumatology, neurology, infectious diseases, hematology, oncology, and genetics. This model fosters a deeper integration of care by ensuring that each child receives personalized education, continuous support, and dedicated medication management throughout their treatment journey.

Additionally, the specialized pharmacy staff will play a critical role in clinical processes by conducting treatment assessments and monitoring adherence to medication programs. This approach not only enhances care access but also aims to reduce medication costs and improve overall clinical outcomes for pediatric patients.

Efficient Management of Healthcare Processes

The collaboration between Lurie Children’s and Clearway Health will also provide valuable administrative assistance to clinical care teams. By alleviating time-consuming tasks such as health plan benefits investigations and prior authorizations, healthcare providers can devote more attention to their patients. Clearway Health’s expertise in identifying and streamlining administrative barriers promises to enhance the overall workflow within the hospital, leading to better medication access for patients.

Rich Lehmuth, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Lurie Children’s, expressed strong support for the partnership, stating, “We remain dedicated to expanding our services and exploring innovative solutions to transform child health. The establishment of our specialty pharmacy aligns with our mission to increase care access and solidify our role as a pioneering force in pediatric healthcare.”

A Legacy of Pediatric Care

As Clearway Health embraces this collaboration, it aims to provide a vital and sustainable component to Lurie Children’s healthcare delivery. Nicole Faucher, president of Clearway Health, remarked, “This new service line represents an opportunity for specialized, personalized care for children confronting complex health challenges.”

The introduction of the specialty pharmacy is an important milestone that will enhance both healthcare delivery and clinical outcomes for children at Lurie Children’s Hospital. As construction begins, both organizations remain optimistic about the positive impact this initiative will have on pediatric healthcare in the region.

About Lurie Children’s Hospital

Lurie Children’s Hospital stands as the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois. Committed to providing world-class care, it serves as a key training ground for pediatric medicine, associated with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Its focus on children's health and continual research efforts aim to innovate and improve the medical landscape for future generations.

For more information about Clearway Health and their services, visit www.clearwayhealth.com.