California system to launch specialty pharmacy services

By: Paige Twenter

Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Cottage Health is partnering with Clearway Health to develop a specialty pharmacy program at the three-hospital system.

As part of the collaboration, pharmacists and patient liaisons are integrated into the health system’s specialty clinics to help patients navigate insurance coverage, manage prior authorizations and attain financial assistance, according to a May 5 news release.  

The program has already launched at Cottage Health’s cystic fibrosis clinic and pediatric clinics, where patient liaisons are helping patients access specialty and nonspecialty medications. Future plans include expanding these services to other clinics and opening an outpatient retail and specialty pharmacy, according to the release.

Clearway Health, a specialty pharmacy services company, has made similar partnerships with other health systems including Sinai Chicago, St. Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, N.J., and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

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