As more health systems explore specialty pharmacy as a way to improve patient access and keep care in their networks, many recognize the operational and regulatory challenges of launching these programs. Specialty pharmacy build-outs aren’t just about dispensing. They require clinical expertise, sophisticated technology, and access to networks.
Successful specialty pharmacy programs are built on three core elements: people, technology, and access. Aligning these elements early on can shorten implementation timelines and help health systems scale appropriately.
VytlOne works with health systems to support specialty pharmacy development using a turnkey approach that addresses these requirements.
“VytlOne’s expertise helped TMH build a specialty program the right way—one that improves patient access, integrates seamlessly with our teams, and positions our health system for long-term success,” said Brian Yetter, executive director of market growth and strategy at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH).
Workforce, Clinical Expertise, and Early Success
Specialty pharmacy operations need multidisciplinary teams that can manage complex therapies, reimbursement requirements, and ongoing patient engagement. Specialty pharmacies are unlike traditional pharmacy models. Specialty programs must support intensive clinical coordination, financial navigation, and outcomes monitoring.
VytlOne’s specialty pharmacy teams include pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff with experience in patient engagement and specialty dispensing. Clinical resources help these teams, assisting with medication therapy management, adherence support, and outcomes tracking.
Technology Readiness
Technology infrastructure can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of specialty pharmacy development. Specialty operations need systems that can handle prior authorizations, clinical documentation, payer requirements, and patient engagement. They must also support accreditation standards.
VytlOne has specialty-focused technology to support these requirements from the start. Established workflows and systems lessen the need for custom development and allow health systems to move smoothly from planning to operations.
Many specialty therapies have high out-of-pocket costs and require coordination with manufacturer assistance programs, foundations, and other funding sources. VytlOne integrates with a financial assistance company that uses technology to identify financial assistance opportunities. Weaving financial navigation services into specialty pharmacy workflows means patients get faster access to therapy and proven clinical support.
Implementing operational, clinical, and administrative systems simultaneously means that health systems can avoid delays and focus resources where they matter most: patient care.
Access Remains Relevant
Access is a critical factor in whether a specialty pharmacy can grow. Access in this context means manufacturer networks, accreditation, and limited distribution drug (LDD) engagement.
VytlOne is accredited under URAC’s Specialty Pharmacy Services standards, helping partner health systems leverage existing URAC-aligned policies, procedures, and documentation, Many foundational components are already in place—often enabling dual accreditation in as little as six months. (URAC accreditation is awarded by URAC based on its independent review. Support and timelines vary by organization and scope.)
LDDs are an important segment of specialty therapies. Participation in these networks depends on accreditation and operational readiness, compliance, and manufacturer relationships. Having existing processes and partnerships in place can help health systems get access more quickly.
Payer access is also key because it determines which patients can receive LDDs through in-network options. Having established relationships and contacts with payers means a higher likelihood of additional patient volume and improved financial sustainability.
Putting All the Elements Together
Launching a specialty pharmacy is a significant operational undertaking, but bringing together people, technology, and access early in the process can reduce risk and speed up timelines. Health systems that use structured, turnkey approaches may be better able to build sustainable specialty pharmacy programs while maintaining a focus on patients.
VytlOne’s model combines experienced specialty pharmacy teams, established technology infrastructure, and existing access pathways to support health system specialty pharmacy launches.
Brian Argo, president and CEO of Conway Medical Center in South Carolina, said the approach helped his organization move faster than expected. Conway achieved dual ACHC and URAC accreditation in 45 days with zero citations.
“VytlOne helped us set up a specialty pharmacy significantly faster than the industry benchmark,” Argo said. “They guided us through the build and launch from beginning to end and helped us develop a program that delivers value for patients, providers, and the health system.”
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