HealthDay News — According to a report from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), pharmacists often encounter fees imposed by prescription drug “middle-men” that adversely impacts both pharmacies and patients to distort medication costs and reimbursement rates.
A survey of 640 pharmacists conducted by the NCPA documents the scope and effect of direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees imposed on community pharmacies and increased costs for patients at the pharmacy counter through copay clawback fees.
According to the report, community pharmacies are sometimes assessed for DIR fees weeks or months after a medication is dispensed and the pharmacy is reimbursed. Approximately 67% of pharmacists reported that they were given no information about when fees would be collected or assessed and how much they would be charged.
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Approximately 53% of pharmacists reported that fees were assessed quarterly, with many complaining about the time lag. Most pharmacists (57%) reported that fees now appear in some commercial plans. The financial impact of DIR fees was significant, with 87% of pharmacists reporting a significant impact on their ability to provide patient care and remain in business.
The survey also explored copay clawbacks on patients, which were relatively common, with 83% of pharmacists having witnessed them at least 10 times in the previous month. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) reported that the practice was limited to certain pharmacy benefit management (PBM) corporations.
The findings also indicate that PBMs may impose a gag clause that prohibits community pharmacists from telling a patient that a medication may be less expensive when purchased at cash price.
Reference
Pharmacists Survey: Prescription Drug Costs Skewed by Fees on Pharmacies, Patients [press release]. Alexandria, VA: National Community Pharmacists Association; June 28, 2016.
