News: Using opioids to treat addiction is considered the gold standard. So why aren’t more doctors prescribing them? (Philly.com)

“Doctors have basically been taught and raised and are functioning in a system where addiction is always someone else’s job,” said Priya Mammen, an emergency physician and public health advocate from South Philadelphia. “The regulations treat these medications as qualitatively different from any other medication we prescribe. It gives off Read more

By HepCAP, ago

News: Washington takes ‘Netflix’ hep C drug pricing further with winner-take-all bidding (FiercePharma)

Officials in Washington are seeking proposals from pharma companies for a “winner take all” hep C procurement deal It’s not just Louisiana working to tackle hepatitis C by purchasing drugs in a novel way. Officials in Washington are taking that state’s Netflix-style subscription model and upping the ante with a winner-take-all contract. Read more

By HepCAP, ago

News: HCV Prior Authorization Guidelines from PA DHS Incorporate HBV Screening Criteria

 A new Medical Assistance Bulletin from the The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, effective Dec. 17,  issues updated handbook pages that include the requirements for prior authorization and the type of information needed to evaluate the medical necessity of prescriptions for Hepatitis C Agents submitted for prior authorization. This bulletin Read more

By HepCAP, ago