Just 9 percent of ACOs are organized to notify physicians when patients fill a prescription, Leigh Ann Bruhn, a director at Washington, D.C.-based Avalere Health, told ABN.
Drug costs are not part of the Medicare Shared Savings Program spending calculations and many Medicare ACOs do not have the data capabilities to manage pharmaceutical spending, according to the report.
Some major pharmaceutical companies have established ACO partnerships, albeit limited partnerships. CVS Health is partnered with a total of 12 ACOs, but the partnerships cover only beneficiaries in the CVS SilverScript Medicare Drug Prescription Plan. Walgreens recently ended partnerships with two MSSP ACOs, but still has a contract with one other Medicare ACO.
A few larger ACOs have considered launching in-house pharmacies, according to Ms. Bruhn.
More articles on ACOs:
Walgreens severs ties with two of three MSSP ACOs
Humana, United Hospital System enter accountable care partnership
10 things to know about the 89 new MSSP ACOs
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
