Saint Peter's Healthcare System Partners with Clearway Health to Launch New Specialty Pharmacy
New Specialty Pharmacy Set to Launch
In an exciting development for healthcare in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Saint Peter's Healthcare System has announced plans to open its first specialty pharmacy in collaboration with Clearway Health, a Boston-based company. This initiative aims to provide better access to specialty medications necessary for managing complex medical conditions such as cancer and hepatitis C.
Enhancing Access for Patients
The specialty pharmacy is planned for launch in late 2025 and is designed to improve equitable access to vital medications that some patients struggle to obtain due to various barriers. The partnership acknowledges that many new treatments remain restricted by manufacturers or payors, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to increase accessibility.
Clearway Health and Saint Peter's Healthcare System aim to implement a robust support structure within their patient care teams. This includes embedding certified pharmacists and trained patient liaisons directly in several outpatient practices, such as gastroenterology, rheumatology, and endocrinology. These professionals will proactively identify patient needs, address barriers to care, and streamline medication delivery processes.
The Role of Specialty Pharmacies
Specialty pharmacies offer a higher level of support than traditional retail pharmacies. They provide medications that are not commonly available, along with enhanced patient education, treatment assessments, and monitoring. This additional expertise ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique medical needs.
As part of the initiative, administrative support is also enhanced; hospital providers will receive assistance in securing prior authorizations for prescriptions, which simplifies the process for both patients and healthcare providers.
Leadership Vision
Garrick Stoldt, CFO of Saint Peter's Healthcare System, has expressed the significance of this new venture: "Specialty pharmacies play a vital role in healthcare today. Providing life-saving medications can be complex due to various factors, including drug composition, administration logistics, side effect management, and regulatory restrictions. Our partnership with Clearway Health benefits patients and enhances our financial performance and stability."
Fatimah Muhammed, director of 340B pharmaceutical services at Saint Peter's, shared her enthusiasm for the pharmacy initiative, stating, "Bringing specialty pharmacy services to our organization has been my vision for more than five years. Providing these services for our patients will create a legacy at Saint Peter's, reinforcing our commitment to integrated care and optimized patient outcomes."
Allison Arant, senior vice president at Clearway Health, reflected on the partnership, stating, "We are honored to be chosen to help overcome barriers and ensure timely access to necessary medications. Together, we will transform specialty pharmacy services for the benefit of patients and their communities."
About Clearway Health and Saint Peter's Healthcare System
Clearway Health specializes in developing sustainable pharmacy services, striving to eliminate barriers to medication access and enhance patient well-being. Their partnership with hospitals, like Saint Peter's Healthcare System, illustrates a commitment to providing high-quality care through innovative strategies.
Saint Peter's Healthcare System is a distinguished provider of healthcare in New Jersey, renowned for its excellence in nursing and patient care. As a Magnet-designated hospital, it prioritizes patient-centered approaches, fostering strong relationships within the community it serves. With a focus on comprehensive medical specialties, it stands as a beacon of hope for patients facing complex medical challenges.
In summary, the opening of the new specialty pharmacy signals a promising improvement in healthcare accessibility and patient support, setting a standard for future collaborations aimed at enriching patient experiences and outcomes.