World Health Day Spotlight: The Importance of Vaccination

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There’s a lot of controversy and questions surrounding vaccines. Should I vaccinate my children? Should I get the flu shot? Is it safe to receive a vaccine while pregnant? Do I need additional vaccinations if traveling globally? Do vaccines cause long term side effects?

Even with scientific-based answers to these questions and strong measures of safety protocol in place, fears and concerns remain. However, no matter one’s position on the topic, the data is overwhelmingly clear—vaccines save lives and have reduced preventable infectious diseases to an all-time low.¹

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The History of Vaccines

In 1798, the first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner from cowpox pustules to provide protection against smallpox. This vaccine eventually led to the global eradication of smallpox in 1979. Historians estimate² that smallpox had been around for 3,000 years prior. It was a deadly disease that killed roughly 3 out of 10 people who contracted it.

Over the years, many more vaccines followed that have nearly eradicated and/or prevented many deadly diseases³:

• 1885: Rabies vaccine developed

• 1896: Cholera and typhoid vaccines developed

• 1897: Plague vaccine developed

• 1915: Pertussis vaccine licensed

• 1923: Diphtheria toxoid licensed

• 1945: Influenza vaccine licensed

• 1953: Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids licensed

• 1955: Polio vaccine licensed

• 1963: Live virus measles vaccine licensed

• 1967: Mumps virus vaccine licensed

• 1969: Three rubella virus vaccine strains licensed

• 1977: Pneumococcal vaccine licensed

• 1978: Yellow fever vaccine licensed

• 1981: Hepatitis B viral vaccines licensed

• 1995: Inactivated hepatitis A vaccine licensed

• 2006: Vaccine to prevent cervical cancer licensed

• 2019: Ebola vaccine licensed

• 2020: COVID-19 vaccine granted EUA

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How Vaccines Work

Different types of vaccines work in different ways. The general concept, however, is that vaccines help you develop immunity without first contracting the virus. Your body develops a supply of “memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes in reaction to the vaccine that causes your body to fight and/or destroy the virus should you come into contact with it in the future.⁴

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Vaccine Safety Protocol

The U.S. has a long-standing vaccine safety system, making our vaccine supply the most effective and safest in history. Through rigorous review of data by scientists and doctors in both vaccine development, manufacturing, and clinical trials, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures the safety, efficacy, purity and potency of vaccines before they’re licensed and made available to the public. Because rare adverse events can sometimes present themselves with larger vaccinated populations outside of clinical trials, the FDA continually monitors for these events after a vaccine is licensed.^1,5

These are the steps taken in vaccine development to ensure safety:⁵

1. Vaccine development begins in a laboratory. If it shows potential, it’s usually then tested in animals. If a vaccine is shown safe in animals and suggests that it will be safe for people, clinical trials begin on people who volunteer to receive the vaccine.

2. Phase 1 clinical trials include 20-100 healthy volunteers and focus on safety.

3. If no serious adverse events are found in phase 1, phase 2 clinical trials begin. They include several hundred volunteers and focus on the size of dosage and vaccine effectiveness.

4. If no serious side effects are found in phase 1 or 2, phase 3 trials begin. They include hundreds or thousands of volunteers. Some people are given a placebo and some are given the real vaccine in order for researchers to learn more about the vaccine’s effectiveness, safety, and identify common side effects.

5. If trials and all other data show that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh the potential risks, the FDA will grant a license for the vaccine and allow it to be given to the public.

6. The FDA continues to monitor the vaccine for adverse events.

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Why Getting Vaccinated Is Important

Here are some important reasons for you and your children to get vaccinated⁶:

• Vaccines protect you and your children from preventable diseases that can cause serious illness and complications such as amputation, hospitalization, pneumonia, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and even death.

• Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and influenza continue to infect U.S. children, resulting in hospitalizations and deaths every year.

• Though several infectious diseases have declined in the U.S. due to vaccines, many diseases are still common in other countries. Children could become infected by a traveler coming into the U.S. or traveling themselves outside of the U.S.

• Preventable disease outbreaks occur when many parents decide against vaccinating their children.

• Vaccination protects vulnerable populations that can’t receive vaccines such as younger children and people with weakened immune systems.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in strong support of vaccinating and protecting children with recommended vaccinations.

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On this World Health Day, it’s important to understand the importance of vaccinations and how they’ve drastically decreased disease. Vaccinations are safe, highly regulated, highly monitored, and highly effective. If you have additional vaccination questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

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BioMatrix is dedicated to help prevent, treat, and cure chronic disease. Click here to learn more.

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References

1. FDA. Vaccines. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines

2. CDC. History of Smallpox. https://www.cdc.gov/smallpox/history/history.html

3. Immunization Action Coalition. Vaccine Timeline. https://www.immunize.org/timeline/

4. CDC. Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html

5. FDA. Ensuring the Safety of Vaccines in the United States. https://www.fda.gov/files/vaccines,%20blood%20&%20biologics/published/Ensuring-the-Safety-of-Vaccines-in-the-United-States.pdf

6. The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). Importance of Vaccines. https://vaccineinformation.org/vaccines-save-lives/

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

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Chronic Illness and Tax Planning

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Legal disclaimer: BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

If you or a loved one is faced with a chronic illness, you’re most likely familiar with high medical bills, increased living expenses to accommodate the illness, and potentially loss of work or income. While these financial challenges may be unavoidable in many cases, around tax time there may be a little silver lining.

Here we discuss several tax and financial planning items to consider when faced with a chronic condition: setting yourself up for success, deductions, excluded income, and tax credits.

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Set Yourself Up for Success

Establish a Revocable Trust
Whether or not you have a chronic illness, it’s important to have a revocable trust in place including an appointed ‘successor trustee(s)’ or an agent under their power of attorney to manage your assets (and taxes) should you not be able to at some point.

Consider Working with a CPA and/or Bookkeeper
Dealing with a chronic illness can make taxes more complicated. Though CPAs and bookkeepers will charge a fee, the amount you could save in taxes may more than make up for the upfront cost. Find a CPA/bookkeeper team you can trust that has an understanding of tax implications for those with chronic illness. Ask your community for their recommendations. It’s important to find these professionals early in the year, well ahead of when taxes are due to help you plan appropriately.

Understand Your Health Insurance Plan 
Some insurance plans include Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) which both have tax benefits. For more information on health insurance plans, click here.

Know Your Dependent Status
You can deduct medical expenses due to illness for any family member listed as a dependent on your tax return. It’s important to know whether you can claim a family member as a dependent so that you can stay organized throughout the year and plan ahead (more on this below).

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Keep Organized Throughout the Year, and Plan Ahead

Planning for taxes throughout the year will make tax preparation easier come March and April. Here are some ways you can be proactive.

Stay Organized
Keep all medical bills, receipts, and records in one place, organized by tax year. Also keep track of all medical reimbursements and whether expenses were paid out of a Health Savings Account or an Archer Medical Savings Account.

Get a CPA Involved with Settlements
If you’re involved in a legal suit due to chronic illness—ie against an employer for discrimination, damages, or back wages, it’s important to get a CPA involved before a settlement is reached to help determine tax implications.

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Medical/Living Expense Tax Deductions

You may be able to deduct certain medical and living expenses on your federal (and sometimes state) taxes. A tax deduction lowers your taxable income. Typically, deductions are expenses you’ve already paid during a particular tax year which then can be subtracted from your gross income in order to figure out how much total tax you owe. The IRS allows you to deduct a certain amount of medical expenses if you itemize deductions. For 2020, this includes medical expenses that exceeded 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Your CPA can help you determine whether itemizing deductions vs taking the standard deduction is more beneficial to you as well as how much of your medical expenses can be deducted. It’s important to note that if you’ve taken any reimbursements for medical expenses, you must subtract that from your calculation of total medical expenses.

You can potentially deduct these common medical expenses:

• Health insurance premiums (with some exceptions)

• Preventative care

• Prescription drugs/therapy

• Surgeries (deemed essential)

• Psychologist/psychiatry visits

• Health care facility costs

• Illness recovery costs

• Transportation costs (if specifically designed to compensate for the chronic illness/disability)

• Tuition (if the principal reason for attendance is due to chronic illness/disability)

• Home improvements (special equipment and home improvements for medical care)

• Impairment-related work expenses (deducted as a business expense, avoiding 7.5% deduction limitation)

Here are just a few types of medical expenses that you cannot deduct:

• Cosmetic surgery

• Nutritional supplements

• Over-the-counter drugs and medicines (unless prescribed by a doctor)

This online ‘interview’ tool on the IRS website can help you identify what medical expenses you are able to deduct: https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/can-i-deduct-my-medical-and-dental-expenses

For more information on medical expenses you can deduct, click here: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502

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Excluded Taxable Income

Exclusion tax is income that doesn’t have to be included in your gross, taxable income.

Some examples of income that can be potentially excluded as taxable:

• Profit from a home sale (if someone resides in any licensed care facility and their home was their primary residence for at least 1 out of the last 5 years)

• Disability income

• Settlements (sometimes)

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Tax Credits

A tax credit is an amount of money that you can subtract from the income taxes you owe. Sometimes tax credits are refundable—i.e. If the credit is more than what you owe, you’ll get a refund from the government. One example of where you may qualify for a medical-related tax credit is called the Premium Tax Credit. You may be eligible if you purchased health insurance through the marketplace. Learn more here.

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When it comes to taxes, especially if you or a family member have a chronic condition, it’s important to plan ahead, stay organized, find a CPA/bookkeeper team you can trust, and understand what you can deduct and exclude on your taxable income.

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References

1. Shenkman M. Advising Individuals with Chronic Illnesses. The CPA Journal. https://www.cpajournal.com/2017/05/22/advising-individuals-chronic-illnesses/

2. Rogers K. Tax Deductions for an Illness. ZACKS. https://finance.zacks.com/tax-deductions-illness-7393.html

3. Medical, Dental Expenses and Tax Deductions. eFile. https://www.efile.com/medical-deductions/#:~:text=For%20your%202020%20return%20you,your%20medical%20expenses%20are%20%245%2C000.

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

---

Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

Black History Month Spotlight: Three Black Women Who Forged their Way in Pharmacy

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As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to pause and remember the achievements by Black Americans and their critical, central role in United States history. Here, we spotlight three Black women and their legacy in pharmacy.

In the face of incredible adversity, these women courageously shaped a way forward through both their work in pharmacy and civic leadership. They helped shape the political and cultural landscape of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in their contribution to both the women’s movement and fight against Jim Crow laws, helping forge the path for Black women to pursue degrees and careers in pharmacy.

Anna Louise James

Anna Louise James behind the soda fountain in the James' pharmacy, ca. 1909-1911
Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University

Anna Louise James was the first female Black pharmacist in the state of New York. In 1908, she became the first Black woman to graduate from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in New York. She then went to work for her brother-in-law, Peter Lane (one of only two Black pharmacists in early Connecticut), at his pharmacy in Old Saybrook. Anna took over the pharmacy in 1917 after Peter got called away to fight in World War I. She renamed it “James Pharmacy”. Known to the community as “Miss James”, Anna operated the pharmacy until 1967 and kept residence in an apartment in the back of the pharmacy until her death in 1977. She became one of the first women to register to vote in Old Saybrook and was politically active in supporting her party.

Sources and further reading:

https://connecticuthistory.org/anna-louise-james-makes-history-with-medicine/

https://jamespharmacybnb.com/our-history/

https://chs.org/anna-louise-james/

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Julia Pearl Hughes

Julia Hughes
Pubic domain image

Julia Pearl Hughes (Coleman-Robinson) was the first Black woman to own and operate a pharmacy in Philadelphia and potentially the entire country. She opened her drug store, Hughes Pharmacy, in 1899. Prior to this, Julia graduated from Howard University with her Pharmaceutical degree in 1897 and did post graduate work at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (now The University of the Sciences). Dr. Hughes also ran the hospital pharmacy at Frederick Douglas Hospital (now Mercy Douglas Hospital). 

In 1909, the now Dr. Coleman and her husband, James Harold Coleman, started the Columbia Chemical Company. They created mostly beauty products, including a popular hair straightening comb. Dr. Coleman divorced her husband and moved her re-established hair care company to Washington D.C., expanded to Maryland, then moved all operations to New York. 

Dr. Coleman also became a political activist and was one of the first Black women to run for political office. She was involved in numerous organizations such as the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and the National Medical Association along with her local chapter of the National Urban League. 

Sources and further reading:

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/hughes-julia-pearl-1873-1950/

https://www.ashp.org/Professional-Development/ASHP-Podcasts/Practice-Journeys/African-American-Women-Pharmacy-Leaders

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Photo and story about Amanda V. Gray from The Pharmaceutical Era, October 1912 (//lccn.loc.gov/sf76000120)

Amanda Gray Hilyer

Amanda Victoria Brown (Gray Hilyer) was the first Black woman to own a pharmacy in Washington D.C. and was a very influential leader for Black women pharmacists. She was a school teacher for many years before moving to Washington D.C., where she married Arthur Smith Gray. Amanda received her pharmaceutical graduate degree from the Howard University School of Pharmacy in 1903. Arthur received his pharmacy degree from Howard in 1910. Before opening Fountain Pharmacy in 1905 with Arthur, Dr. Amanda Gray was a pharmacist for the Woman’s Clinic in Washington D.C. Amanda and Arthur were active in multiple organizations including the National Medical Association, the NAACP, the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society, and the Mu-So-Lit Club.

Dr. Amanda Gray closed the pharmacy after Arthur passed away at the age of 48. She joined the World War I efforts becoming a director of YWCA camp hostesses for Black soldiers and went on to become president of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA for three years. In 1922, Amanda married Andrew Franklin Hilyer, a lawyer, author, and civil rights leader. After Andrew passed away in 1925, the now Dr. Hilyer continued her civic and social activities with organizations such as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the Ionia R. Whipper Home, National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and became president of the Alumni Association at Howard University.

Sources and further reading:

https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2017/06/a-family-of-pharmacists/

https://www.ashp.org/Professional-Development/ASHP-Podcasts/Practice-Journeys/African-American-Women-Pharmacy-Leaders

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Though the number of Black women going into pharmacy continues to grow even today, there are still disparities in healthcare and work left to be done. In this podcast, Dr. Chisholm-Burns, Dean and Professor of the UTHSC College of Pharmacy and Professor of Surgery in the College of Medicine, shares “These disparities are so entrenched in society… We need to confront these disparities… and [we] don’t need to be in a minority population to do that. It’s going to take all of us to help make a difference and eliminate these disparities.” Dr. Chisholm-Burns goes on to discuss the importance of increased diversity among health care professionals in order to better serve our growing minority population, starting with students in pharmacy school. She stresses the importance of a diverse student body and curriculum that focuses on both majority and minority populations. 

Whether in pharmacy, healthcare, or our day-to-day lives, we all play a role in creating a culture that invites everyone to the table to participate, where we all learn from each other’s differences, and everyone belongs.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

By giving us your contact information and signing up to receive this content, you'll also be receiving marketing materials by email. You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy. Our mailing list is private and will never be sold or shared with a third party. Review our Privacy Policy here.

BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Recognized By National Association for Business Resources with Regional Best and Brightest Award

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BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Recognized By National Association for Business Resources with Regional Best and Brightest Award

Distinction Recognizes Excellence in Culture, Operations, and Employee Enrichment

Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com

January 21, 2021 – Plantation, FL - BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy announced today they have been recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in Miami. This new regional award recognizes the local impact of the organization’s South Florida corporate headquarters and marks the third distinction BioMatrix has received from The National Association for Business Resources. BioMatrix received national awards from the NABR in 2019 and 2020.

The recognition comes as five new regions were added to the Best and Brightest program including Charlotte, Denver, Miami, Nashville, and New York. The new regional program winning companies were assessed by an independent research firm, which reviewed a number of key measures relative to other nationally recognized winners. The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winners are not ranked. This year, the Best and Brightest program honored 47 winning organizations from Charlotte, Denver, Miami, Nashville, and New York, out of 480 nominations. The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winners will be honored during the virtual Illuminate Business Summit week in the spring of 2021. The categories applicants were scored on include: Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; and Strategic Company Performance.

“We are proud to receive both regional and national recognition from the NABR,” Diane Schumacher Vice President, Human Resources shared. “We have an incredible team dedicated to making a positive impact in our industry and local community.”

“Throughout 2020, the Best and Brightest Companies To Work For® have demonstrated leadership and forward thinking as they pivoted their business and workforce through Covid-19. As the conversation and focus has shifted, our Best and Brightest winning companies have also been a voice for important actions regarding creating a virtual culture that works, race relations and ensuring the wellbeing of their employees come first. In these unique times, these Best and Brightest Companies To Work For® excel and share their knowledge with others,” said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

As BioMatrix continues to grow, the organization is seeking top talent in several functional areas of the business. Employment opportunities can be found on the BioMatrix website or the organization’s LinkedIn page.

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About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.

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About the Best and Brightest Programs
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole. There are numerous regional celebrations throughout the country, such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Francisco, Miami, New York, Charlotte, Denver, Seattle, Nashville, and Portland. Nominations are now being accepted for all programs. Visit thebestandbrightest.com to nominate your organization.

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My Chronic Life is Not a Lifeless Life!

By Jacey Gonzalez

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Chronic... Lifelong… Everlasting…

These are words that have been used to describe my bleeding disorder especially when explaining what I couldn’t do, where I couldn’t go, or what I was limited to. However, looking back on my life, I have realized through the highs and lows of living with a bleeding disorder, I have been given a chronic life, not a lifeless life.

Growing up, my mother and I planned everything around what was going on with my health. Where I would go to school, what sports I would play, where and with whom I could travel. It seemed we always had everything planned to a tee. My life revolved around my health – first leukemia, with which I was diagnosed at age 3, then on my platelet disorder, and then around my von Willebrand Disease. I was hyper-aware that while I was an average child, medically, I was different. 

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I was always inspired to do the absolute most with my life and to curse anyone who thought otherwise. I was strong, I was resilient, but by the ripe age of 16, I was completely done caring about my medical needs. This was the only time I lashed out against my health issues.

Call it teen angst, call it independence – no matter what you call it, I wanted nothing to do with managing my bleeding disorder. I grew up as the “cancer kid” and I wanted nothing more than to spite that moniker for the rest of my life. It defined me, almost too much. Kids are mean, and they notice when you’re different. There is something almost cruel about the innocence and ignorance of children who don’t have to worry about their medical limitations. The impact of this didn’t quite dawn on me until my junior year of high school.

Junior year – my first chance to go to prom, the year I took my SATs, the year I fell in love for the first time. We lost our insurance that year and got stuck with the worst state-monitored HMO plan we could have possibly imagined. So much was going on all at once and with all that change, this was the year I decided I wanted to be normal. I didn’t even want to worry or think about my bleeding disorder.

Isn’t that what every person with a chronic illness wants? To be normal, to not question if basic things are safe, to go with the flow and not inconvenience the people around you. I was a varsity athlete, I had the best friends, and I thought to myself, “If I believe I am normal enough, everyone else will too.”

I made mistakes. I took my (very fragile) health into my own hands and decided I was going to live an unencumbered life and pretend my bleeding disorder didn’t exist. Come what may! To save you the trouble of rehashing all of my mistakes, I’ll leave you with my final thought after that turbulent year.

I’m not normal, and I was never meant to be.

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People with chronic illnesses aren’t normal. We aren’t meant to be. We are a tenacious bunch who for whatever genetic reason, have an ailment that impacts our lives. We are stronger than most, we persevere more than anyone should ever have to, and we are brave.

We put a smile on our face and have Emmy-worthy acting skills making everyone believe we are okay. Even if we may not always feel like it, we make sure everyone knows we are just fine. Every time I have to take a butterfly needle and find a vein, I am filled with melancholy. But I do it – we have to. We weren’t given a choice in the matter.

Having a chronic illness is not only physically exhausting but mentally as well. It’s almost as if my brain wants to give up, but my body won’t let it. Then as soon as my body fails me, my mind compensates. It’s a constant teeter-totter of what will cause you duress on any given day – my brain or my body. Sometimes it takes you to the deepest darkest places, and there’s almost no semblance of light to cling to.

But where we don’t have light, we have hope. We are so fortunate to live in an age where effective medications are available for us. Where we have competent doctors helping us manage our lives. Where our diagnosis doesn’t mean impending death. We can call our friends we met at camp or through conferences and ask for help during our difficult times. We are only a Facebook message away from contacting someone who is going through the same thing. We are the lucky ones. Not everyone in other chronic illness communities is as lucky. We are fortunate to be part of a community where we are loved, understood, accepted, and supported.

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Chronic illnesses aren’t easy. I’ve changed some of my life goals to be able to work with what I am physically able to do. I have come to terms with the way my bleeding disorder has shaped my life. I have also come to terms that I am not the same carefree kid I once was, but those losses have been replaced with a responsibility that I am part of a changing medical landscape. Hoping that it will one day help other people, I am contributing to advocacy and research. My efforts are making a change not only in my small rare disease community but in the greater population of rare diseases.

We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to be directly involved in the issues that impact us regularly. Whether the issues are regarding new medications, new legislation, or new insurance regulations, we have the power to better our own life as well as the lives of others in our community.

We, as a community, are not normal. We were never meant to be. Normalcy is a construct with expectations that are inherently out of reach. Our version of normal though – our chronic life – is so full of color and hope and perseverance, it’s better than any version of “normal” ever described. We are history, we are the future, and we are living amazing lives full of challenges and triumphs and growth of character. Even with a disorder where something is missing, we are whole.

I am a Star Wars nerd, an avid reader, and a proud mom to many succulent plants. I’m a sister, a daughter, an advocate.

I am not my disorder. I am not normal. My chronic life is not lifeless.

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

3 Important Things to Share with Your Specialty Pharmacy and Why

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Pharmacists serve as an accessible and trusted source of information about health and prescribed therapy.

Their role is to address the healthcare needs of patients throughout their course of treatment. Pharmacists ensure patients are lawfully prescribed medication that is suitable and of good quality while advising how drugs should be administered, what reactions may occur, and responding to any general questions regarding treatment. To provide the best level of care, pharmacist and patient need to establish a trusting relationship promoting open and honest communication. Sharing information allows the pharmacist to provide individualized guidance and support throughout the course of treatment. This article examines critical information patients should share with their pharmacy team and why.

Medication Profile and Allergies 

Providing an accurate medication profile is a critical piece of information ensuring the best quality of care and optimal therapeutic outcomes. Patients should provide a complete medication profile during their initial assessment and any time there is a change or update. Duplication of therapy, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, increased risk of medication errors, ER visits, and hospital readmission are just some of the negative outcomes that can occur as a result of not sharing a complete medication profile. 

Many patients mistakenly believe that herbs, vitamins, foods, anything labeled “natural,” and over-the-counter medications are automatically safe to continue during the course of specialty therapy. Very often, herbs and foods may interact with certain medications and can result in serious reactions. According to experts, natural does not mean safe. Certain drugs and foods when taken together can decrease drug effectiveness or reduce nutrient absorption. Vitamins and herbal supplements taken with prescribed medication can also result in adverse reactions. It is very important to effectively communicate your entire medication profile including supplements with the pharmacy team to ensure safe and effective treatment.

It’s also very important to share any known allergies with your pharmacist. It is important to share any allergies that you may have so that the pharmacist can accurately complete your drug utilization review. This would include any possible drug-allergy interactions. The pharmacist needs to be sure you are not dispensed a medication that you will knowingly have an allergic reaction to. 

Medical History

Every patient population has unique needs. Certain chronic conditions come with restrictions in the type of care or drugs that patients should receive. Many undergo treatment for multiple conditions at the same time with different providers. It is important to provide pharmacists with a complete medical history and list of conditions. A pharmacist can advise why a specific medication may or may not be appropriate only if they have a complete picture of a patient’s health. This can reduce a series of negative outcomes including the risk of worsening symptoms, hospital readmissions, even death. Effectively communicating medical history with the pharmacy team will help the pharmacist offer personalized, relevant information and education key to better health outcomes. 

Learning Style

Specialty drug routines can be complex, requiring a high level of patient education and support. Every patient has a different preferred learning style and level of health literacy. Some patients have varying degrees of health literacy which can impact their ability to effectively manage their conditions. Some patients may have difficulty reading or understanding directions on prescription labels or educational materials. Others may find it intimidating to communicate with members of their healthcare team. One thing that patients should realize is that communicating their specific needs can help the pharmacy team tailor educational materials and support. There are various educational resources designed specifically for patients based on preference and health literacy levels including charts with the appropriate grade level readings, language appropriate brochures with pictures, videos, and other resources all of which help patients learn in a way most effective to their individual preference and circumstance.

Working Together Toward Better Health

Your pharmacy team is focused on providing the means and resources to improve your health. In order to avoid negative outcomes, worsening symptoms, hospitalizations, and other negative outcomes, it’s important to help your pharmacist understand your specific needs. Providing key information including your medication profile and known allergies, medical history, and preferred learning style, your pharmacist can act as an additional health resource working with you to promote better health. 

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References

1. Nester TM, Hale LS. Effectiveness of a pharmacist-acquired medication history in promoting patient safety. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2002;59(22):2221-2225. doi:10.1093/ajhp/59.22.2221

2. Kennelty KA, Chewning B, Wise M, Kind A, Roberts T, Kreling D. Barriers and facilitators of medication reconciliation processes for recently discharged patients from community pharmacists' perspectives. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2015;11(4):517-530. doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2014.10.008

3. McCormack L, Thomas V, Lewis MA, Rudd R. Improving low health literacy and patient engagement: A social ecological approach. Patient Educ Couns. 2017;100(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2016.07.007

4. Wittenberg E, Ferrell B, Kanter E, Buller H. Health Literacy: Exploring Nursing Challenges to Providing Support and Understanding. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2018;22(1):53-61. doi:10.1188/18.CJON.53-61

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

Handwashing in the midst of a Pandemic - National Handwashing Awareness Week December 1st - 7th

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Handwashing has received considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a simple, cheap, and easy primary preventative measure that most people can do independently.

Campaigns such as National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 1st - 7th) serve as a reminder to be vigilant about handwashing—especially during this period of cold and flu season. Rigorous implementation of proper handwashing is an important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and all other forms of infection. It is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or out in the community, handwashing with soap and water can protect you and your family. Although the importance of handwashing is routinely acknowledged, a religious application of this practice still does not exist. Discussion in modern medicine on the subject of handwashing consistently indicates it is the single most important factor in preventing spread of infections.

Our hands are a critical vector for transmitting microorganisms and failing to wash our hands frequently is very dangerous. Scrubbing hands properly with soap and water, for at least twenty to thirty seconds or humming the happy birthday song to the end twice, promotes the capacity of water to remove dirt and pathogens from the hand. The removal of pathogens reduces their efficiency of transmitting diseases from the hands of an infected person to those of an uninfected person, and also from an uninfected person to the respiratory tract.

In general, proper handwashing technique using soap and water is the ideal way to eliminate germs and pathogens. However, in a situation when soap and water are not readily available, the use of hand sanitizer containing at least 60% of alcohol is the second-best option. If hand sanitizer is used, it is always important that we wash our hands as soon as possible when we do get access to handwashing facilities.

In the context of COVID-19 prevention, in honoring National Handwashing Awareness Week, and as a general best practice, we should make sure to wash our hands during the following times: after blowing our noses; coughing or sneezing; visiting public spaces including public transportation, markets, and places of worship; touching surfaces outside of the home including money; before, during, and after caring for a sick person; and before and after eating.

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Steps to Successful Handwashing

1. Wet hands with running water.

2. Apply enough soap to cover wet hands.

3. Scrub all surfaces of the hand including back of hands, between fingers, and under nails for at least 20 seconds.

4. Rinse hands thoroughly with running water.

5. Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel.

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How to Wash Hands Properly

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References

1. Handwashing Liaison Group. Hand washing. BMJ. 1999;318(7185):686. doi:10.1136/bmj.318.7185.686

2. Black R. E., et al. Handwashing to prevent diarrhea in day-care centers. American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 113, Issue 4, April 1981, Pages 445–451, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a113112

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID_19): FAQ on Hand Hygiene. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/hcp-hand-hygiene-faq.html (Accessed  25th October 2020). [Google scholar]

4. Sax, H., et al. The World Health Organization hand hygiene observation method. American Journal of Infection Control, 37, 827-834. 10.1016/j.ajic.2009.07.003 [PubMed]

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

5 Ways Specialty Pharmacies Support Patients

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Sixty percent of adults in the U.S. are living with at least one chronic illness. Forty percent of adults have two or more chronic health conditions.¹

Specialty drugs are often prescribed for people with complex and/or chronic medical condition(s). Because many of these conditions can be life-altering and/or threatening, proper support throughout the patient journey is critical for optimal health outcomes. This article provides five benefits for using a specialty pharmacy to help manage chronic or complex medical conditions.

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1. Access to Specialty Medication

Due to the complexity of specialty medications and the unique situations faced by the patients who require them for treatment, many specialty drugs are not found at local walk-in retail pharmacies. These medications often require unique patient education tools, patient financial assistance programs, specialized monitoring, advanced packaging, and the ability to get the drug to the patient when and where they need it despite unforeseen events. BioMatrix has met these obligations to our patients for decades.

Specialty pharmacies ensure patients understand their specialty medication insurance coverage, how to get medication in a timely manner, and what financial support options are available. From therapy initiation, payer outreach, benefit investigation, prior authorization, appeals management, and connectivity to manufacturer patient access services, specialty pharmacies coordinate care between all healthcare providers to help patients promptly begin and maintain access to their medication. Our job is to help patients obtain and maintain access to prescribed therapy. We also make sure patients understand how to properly store medications, how to take it, and who to contact when you have questions.

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2. Better Adherence and Treatment Outcomes

We know chronic health conditions can complicate daily life. Treatment is often complex, time consuming, expensive, and comes with side effects further complicating things. For all these reasons, up to 50% of chronically ill patients do not take their medication as prescribed.² By working together, we help make taking your medication easier. Studies show patients who use specialty pharmacies have higher treatment adherence compared to those using a retail option.³ Our data proves this claim. Over the course of one year, BioMatrix conducted a study of patient reported outcomes. Our research found participating patients had an adherence rate of 96.2%. The study showed our services helped to improve both adherence and quality of life. Download the case study here.

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3. In-home Treatment

Due to cost, convenience, and COVID-19, more patients and their providers are opting for home-based treatment. Up to 80% of patients with cancer now receive care in the outpatient setting⁴ while a new healthcare model set to go into effect April 2021 will provide payment incentives to encourage at-home dialysis. Specialty pharmacists play an important role in helping to manage and monitor treatment in the home environment. We educate patients on what to expect from their prescribed medication and how to properly store, handle, and administer their specialty drugs. Our therapeutically-focused clinical assessments collect and analyze key data while allowing our team to monitor side-effects, medication adherence, barriers to care, and overall response to therapy. Learn how patients at BioMatrix use digital tools to submit refill requests and participate in secure, one-on-one conversations with pharmacy staff from the comfort of their home: click here.

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4. Reduced Cost

Living with a chronic condition is costly. When patients have to pay high out-of-pocket costs for their treatment, they’re more likely to skip optional care and delay critical care. This leads to both poorer treatment outcomes and overall health. Poor health can lead to lost workdays and potential loss of employment.⁵ Research shows⁶ specialty pharmacies drive down the cost of care in a variety of ways by promoting adherence to therapy, identifying utilization or dosing mistakes, helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and connecting patients with financial support programs.

BioMatrix is committed to helping patients identify and obtain financial support so treatment can begin without delay. We help identify co-pay assistance programs and connect patients with the right resources for enrollment. From manufacturer co-pay programs to charity-based financial assistance, we provide resources and support helping patients access specialized healthcare without breaking the bank.

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5. Patient-centric Care

A strong relationship between a patient and their health care provider can positively affect the patient’s ability to cope, especially in an outpatient setting.⁷ In a large study, patients who perceived their health care providers as “knowing them as a person” had higher rates of treatment adherence, more positive beliefs about the effectiveness of their therapy, fewer missed doctor appointments, and a higher quality of life.⁸ Pharmacists who take the time with each patient to understand needs, challenges, and preferences are better positioned to support, educate, and serve.

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BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy is proud to make a difference in the communities we serve, one patient at a time.

Our clinicians and support staff offer a tailored approach to every therapeutic category, improving quality of life for patients and producing positive outcomes along the healthcare continuum. Learn more.

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References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2019. Chronic Diseases in America. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/chronic-diseases.htm

2. Kleinsinger F. (2018). The unmet challenge of medication nonadherence. The Permanente journal, 22, 18–033. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-033

3. Kale HP, Patel AM, Carroll NV. (2018). A comparison of pharmacy dispensing channel use and adherence to specialty drugs among Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Journal of Managed Care Specialty Pharmacy. Apr;24(4):317-326. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2018.24.4.317.

4. Cancer care migrates to outpatient setting. Journal of Healthcare Contracting. May 2011. Accessed July 17, 2020. http://www.jhconline.com/cancer-care-migrates-to-outpatient-setting-2.html

5. Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. (2019). Framework to Address High Cost Burden for People with Serious Chronic Conditions. https://www.fightchronicdisease.org/resources/framework-address-high-cost- burden-people-serious-chronic-conditions

6. Joo EH, Rha SY, Ahn JB, Kang HY. Economic and patient-reported outcomes of outpatient home- based versus inpatient hospital-based chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2010;19(7):971-978. doi:10.1007/s00520-010-0917-7

7. Prip A, Møller KA, Nielsen DL, Jarden M, Olsen MH, Danielsen AK. The patient-healthcare professional relationship and communication in the oncology outpatient setting: a systematic review. Cancer Nurs. 2018;41(5):E11-E22. doi:10.1097/NCC.0000000000000533

8. Beach MC, Keruly J, Moore RD. Is the quality of the patient-provider relationship associated with better adherence and health outcomes for patients with HIV? J Gen Intern Med. 2006;21(6):661-665. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00399.x

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

---

Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

BioMatrix Announces 2020 Academic Scholarship Recipients

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BIOMATRIX ANNOUNCES 2020 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Program Honors Memory of Bleeding Disorder Community Members

Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[DOWNLOAD PDF]

Weston, FL – December 1, 2020 – – In 2020, BioMatrix offered six $1,000 scholarships for bleeding disorders community members seeking higher education. Our program has awarded $56,000 to 60 students since 2013. These scholarships honor the memory of several individuals who impacted the bleeding disorder community in unique ways. BioMatrix partners with the Hemophilia Federation of America for administrative support and independent, third-party evaluation of applicants.

It is with great pleasure we announce the 2020/2021 recipients of our Memorial Scholarship Program. Thank you to everyone who applied and we wish you great success in your bright futures! Without further ado, we introduce you to our scholarship recipients!

BioMatrix Memorial Scholarship Winners

RYAN CAMBERDELLA

Freshman, Siena College, NY, Major: Undecided/Medical field

BioMatrix Joe Holibaugh Memorial Scholarship

As a young boy, going to camp and learning to self-infuse helped Ryan gain a sense of control over his hemophilia. Later in life when he was also diagnosed with diabetes, Ryan drew strength from his previous experiences managing hemophilia. He accepted the challenges life has thrown his way and has never let them get him down. “If you were to ask anyone that knows my ambitions, they would tell you that I have never let my disabilities prohibit me from accomplishing something—for it is in our greatest challenges that we have our greatest triumphs.”

Congratulations, Ryan!

ALEXANDER CARONNA

Graduate Studies, Rider University, NJ, Master: Business Administration

BioMatrix Tim Kennedy Memorial Scholarship

Crediting his strong sense of self awareness and empathy to having hemophilia, Alexander views his bleeding disorder, not by its limitations but by the opportunities it presents. Through Inalex, a nonprofit organization founded by his father, Alexander feels blessed he was able to travel across the country, share his story and connect with many others in the bleeding disorders community. “If I were to reset my life, I would choose to have hemophilia again in a heartbeat. Though it has presented its fair share of challenges, it has also taught me profound life lessons, lessons that I truly could not imagine life without.”

Congratulations, Alexander!

IVAN GIRON

Freshman, University of Phoenix, AZ, Major: Business

BioMatrix Mike Hylton Memorial Scholarship

Diagnosed at birth with moderate hemophilia, Ivan strived to be “normal” despite the challenges in his life. An unstable home life led him to make poor choices – he got into serious trouble and ignored his health. At age 22, he began working at the office of an ophthalmologist who took him under her wing and mentored him. Ivan credits four great women in his life for inspiring him to turn his life around - his wife, his daughter, his mother, and the doctor. “I use the physical and mental adversities I lived through to continue to learn and grow.”

Congratulations, Ivan!

AMAYIA GISCOMBE

Sophomore, Elmira College, NY, Major: Nursing

BioMatrix Millie Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship

Diagnosed with von Willbrand’s Disease, Amayia is inspired by the many nurses she encountered during her medical visits as well as her mom who is a nurse. To be sure this was the right career path for her, Amayia spent more than 300 hours shadowing various medical personnel. “As a nurse I want to build on the connections that I hope developed with various patients and hopefully incorporate my passion for art therapy to allow holistic healing.” As a student athlete and in her career choice, Amayia will not allow vWD to define her or get in her way.

Congratulations, Amayia!

COREY PIERCE

Graduate Studies, Oregon State University, Ph.D. Candidate: Public Health (focus/Epidemiology)

BioMatrix Mike Hylton Memorial Scholarship

Influenced by the tragic history of HIV in the bleeding disorders community, Corey’s early life was marked by a grim view of hemophilia and life to come. Through the years as advancements in medical treatment were made, his constrained views of the future dissipated, opening the door for resilience and confidence to grow in him. “Having representation show that a good life is possible is critically important to younger generations, and the families that support them. This is why I stay active in the community, where I hope my presence as a healthy adult will inspire confidence in young people learning to manage their disorder independently.”

Congratulations, Corey!

SAVANNAH REIMANN

Sophomore, Arizona State University, Major: Applied Biological Sciences

BioMatrix Mark Coats Memorial Scholarship

Along with the diagnosis of hemophilia in several family members as well as herself, Savannah has developed a strong appreciation for the medical field. Through her experiences, she has witnessed the many advances taking place with new treatment and medications. These advancements in the medical field have inspired her to set her sights on becoming a physician’s assistant. “Being able to look back and see just how much things have changed for the hemophilia community in the past forty years, I am hopeful that we will be able to learn more and make even more positive changes for our community.”

Congratulations, Savannah!

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The BioMatrix Scholarship Program is in its 9th year and will begin accepting applicants on March 1, 2021 for the 2021/2022 academic school year.

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About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy

BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.

Sleep—What Is It Good For? Absolutely Everything!

By Sarah Henderson and Justin Lindhorst

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Most of us love crawling into bed to drift off into dreamland…only for the alarm to go off before getting a full night’s sleep.

The National Sleep Awareness Roundtable reports that 50–70 million Americans aren’t getting the rest they need. Sleep deficiency can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. The Huffington Post reports, “After just seven nights of too little sleep, researchers observed more than 700 genetic changes that could play a role in consequences including heart problems and obesity.” Anybody can suffer from lack of sleep, but those living with a bleeding disorder need to be aware of how this can aggravate the condition.

Over the last few months a common complaint heard from friends and family members is that they have been having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. There is little doubt the events of 2020 have been weighing heavily on everyone’s minds. Fear of contracting a virus or spreading it to loved ones, possible loss of income, isolation and staying home, compulsively washing hands, wearing masks, wiping down groceries… these changes have been taking a toll on most of us. Just as things began to lighten slightly, our country faced another outpour of emotion as we watched civil unrest explode against deep and recurring societal injustices. It is not surprising we’re having a difficult time shutting down our brains at night. But how is this lack of sleep affecting us?

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Chronic Pain and Lack of Sleep

Chronic pain is common in the bleeding disorder community. Unfortunately, pain can be especially disruptive to a person’s sleep cycle. Lack of sleep can escalate feelings of pain, which again results in more interrupted sleep. Painkillers are meant to relieve pain but can also have the negative effect of fragmenting sleep.¹ This adds to the sleep deficiency cycle. An occasional sleepless night is quite normal; however, losing sleep on a more consistent basis can negatively impact health and pain levels.

During sleep, growth hormones and cytokines are released by the pituitary gland. Cytokines, small secreted proteins, when released, send signals to the immune system. Hormones help the body heal damaged muscles and joints while cytokines activate the immune system to help battle inflammation, infection and trauma. Lack of sleep and the depression that it may cause can amplify the pain, especially at night, creating a vicious cycle.

Additional negative effects of too little sleep or lack of quality sleep can range from a decrease in immune function, an increased risk of heart disease, and raised blood pressure. Too many sleepless nights can also exacerbate conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, gastrointestinal tract disorders, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, and behavioral problems in children.²

For the body to function at its best, it’s imperative to find ways to get sufficient sleep.

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Solutions for a Better Night Sleep

Everyone requires a different amount of sleep; however, age can be a guideline. Most infants require 16 hours, while teenagers need an average of 9 hours, and adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep. This amount varies based on each individual.³

Set a routine. Go to bed and wake up on a set schedule. Try to keep the schedule consistent even on weekends. During the day, expose yourself to natural light or bright lights. This helps the body regulate one’s circadian rhythm, an internal 24 clock that serves as a sleep/wake cycle.

Another issue which greatly impacts a person’s circadian rhythm is spending too much time in front of a computer monitor or TV screen. Not only does the content of television and social media not allow our brains to relax, light emitting from these devices interrupt the sleep/wake cycle. For an hour or two before bed, avoid watching a screen, and read a book instead. The bedroom should be kept dark, quiet and cool. Draw the shades, and run a fan if needed.

Eating heavily just before or going to bed hungry can disrupt sleep. Avoid eating within a couple hours before bedtime and pay attention to which foods cause problems at night. Caffeine, nicotine and sugar, especially later in the day, can throw sleep into turmoil. Sleep comes easier if a person is sleepy so avoid taking afternoon naps. Include exercise in daily routines, though it is not advisable exercise too late in the day.

Do something to relax – a warm bath, listening to soft music, practicing deep breathing as a relaxation technique.

Paying attention to your bedtime routines and making necessary adjustments may be the key to sleeping better. Good night!

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References

1. Lavigne, Gilles. “Pain and Sleep.” https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/pain-and-sleep

2. Mercola, Joseph. “New Insights into Links Between Immune Function and Sleep.” http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/04/immune-system-and-sleep-deprivation.aspx (08/04/2012)

3. Nazario, Brunilda. “Are You Getting Enough Sleep?” http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-requirements (11/29/2011)

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The National Sleep Foundation offers ten tips to get the most out of your sleep each night:

1. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath, reading a book or listening to soothing music

2. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, cool and comfortable

3. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows

4. Use your bedroom only for sleep

5. Finish eating at least 2–3 hours before your regular bedtime. Avoid sugar, spicy foods or other foods you find to which you are sensitive

6. Exercise regularly, but not too late in the day

7. Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate) close to bedtime

8. Avoid consuming 

9. alcohol near bedtime

10. Avoid nicotine – cigarettes and other tobacco products. Used close to bedtime can lead to poor sleep

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

---

Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

Frustrated? You’re Not Alone. Feel Free to Vent!

By Gary Mcclain, MS, PHD, LMHC

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The COVID-19 threat continues. Recovery has been painfully slow. We’re all feeling frustrated.

Self-isolation has been key to staying healthy, but human beings are social by nature. We’re all feeling the loneliness, along with the uncertainty about when we can safely return to some kind of normalcy.

Did I say uncertainty? That’s something else humans don’t do well with. We want to know!

How are you feeling? If you’re anything like the people I talk with every day – as a mental health professional, as a friend, as a family member – you’re most likely feeling all sorts of emotions as you cope with life as we currently experience it. Frustration, fear, anger, sadness, disappointment... and more frustration.

For families living with a chronic condition like a bleeding disorder, the isolation has resulted in additional concerns. Access to physicians and treatment centers has been much more complicated, with the need to take additional precautions to prevent bleeding episodes. Any changes to healthcare routines can be scary, as well as disruptive to established regimens. Of course, the need for home-schooling and other changes to family routines is also challenging. And frustrating…

All these emotions need somewhere to go. Sometimes you just want to vent.

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A Good Vent Can Promote Emotional Wellness

Here are the potential benefits of a good vent: Venting helps you work through your feelings which, in turn, is a step toward accepting the challenges you and your family members are facing. It’s a way to let out all those feelings that have been building up in your mind, taking up valuable space that could be better used for thinking and decision-making. Fighting your feelings is fighting yourself. When you stop the fight, you’re in a better position to find solutions.

A caution: venting can turn into ranting, which is a lot of angry words that go on and on and don’t accomplish anything except to drive everyone else away in the process. Venting helps you to release feelings, while ranting is a way of hanging on to them.

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Not Sure How To Vent In A Way That Promotes Your Emotional Wellness? Here’s How:

Give yourself permission to express strong emotions

Human beings experience a whole wide range of emotions from the emotions we label as “good,” like happiness, to the ones we label as “bad,” like anger. Instead of labeling emotions as good or bad, let’s label them as human. And then tell the positive thinking brain cells to take a break while we feel how we feel. Look at it this way: Not getting bogged down with trying to “swallow” your emotions can help you to maintain your optimism.

Find a willing listener

Not everybody in your life is able to listen while you vent about a challenge you’re facing. Some may be uncomfortable with strong feelings or think they should do something to help you and, as a result, feel helpless, or they have too many of their own problems to deal with. Avoid choosing someone who wants to run for the hills as soon as you open your mouth, those who will judge you for not “staying positive,” or who will try to fix you in some way instead of just listening.

Be mindful of your intentions

Ever had a political discussion you realized later was really all about how angry you are at the other person and not about politics? A vent can be just that – a way of indirectly expressing anger at someone, or again, turn into a rant. Take a step back and ask yourself, what is it you need to vent about, and why?

Keep in mind that venting has consequences. A positive consequence is giving voice to your feelings. Doing this can take away their power to do harm or to keep you stuck. However, venting that is directed toward someone else can have the consequence of alienating other people.

Start by asking if the other person is willing to listen

Say something like, ”I just need to talk to someone about how I’m feeling. Would you mind listening?” It might help to add: “I don’t expect you to have any answers for me. I just need a listener.”

State what you want to vent about

“I am dealing with ________.” This accomplishes two purposes. First, it provides the opportunity for the other person to decide whether this is something they can hear. It will also help you stay focused and help avoid drifting into a rant about everything that has frustrated you for the past 20 years.

Be mindful of how the other person is reacting

Body language says it all. Nodding, leaning forward, eye contact – these are signs of involvement. Looking away, moving away, interrupting you with comments like “You’ll be fine” are signs the other person has heard enough. It can help to ask, “Is this hard for you to listen to? If so, I understand.” Don’t take it personally. Not everyone can sit with uncomfortable emotions – their own, or someone else’s.

Say what you need to get out

Set limits on your vent by being mindful of what you need to say. Signal you’re done by expressing appreciation, “Thanks a lot for listening. It helps to have a listening ear.”

Be realistic about your expectations

Your listener may have a few words of support, a few suggestions, or nothing to say at all. Remember, people do the best they can and all you asked was for them to listen. If your listener does respond with a whole list of solutions or orders, you have a choice as to whether you want to receive this information. Who knows? They may have a perspective you haven’t thought about, but you can also say, “You’ve been very helpful by just listening. I don’t expect you to make it better.”

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Healthy Venting Can Be A Way Of Connecting

Starting with your partner – you may both be walking around your home stepping around the elephant that keeps getting in the way of your communication. What’s the name of that elephant? Something like frustration, disappointment or fear? Address the elephant by name.

Talk to each other about feelings, beginning with encouraging each other to vent as needed.

Offer to be a listener, too

Remember that your listener, whether your partner or another listening ear, may have some of their own challenges and frustrations and need a listening ear, as well. Be willing to return the favor.

Parents, give your kids a chance to vent

Make your home a safe space for talking about emotions. Talk about your feelings and encourage your kids to talk about theirs. Let your children know you are open to hearing about how they’re dealing with life as we currently know it. They also are feeling a lot of emotions.

By the way, there is no greater way to connect with another person, your partner, your children, a family member, a friend, a co-worker than by listening. Really listening... with an open mind.

If you need a good vent, have at it. Then give somebody else a turn. We’re all in this together!

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About Gary McClain

Gary McClain, MS, PhD, LMHC, is a therapist, patient advocate, blogger and author, specializing in helping clients deal with the emotional impact of chronic and life-threatening illness, as well as their families and professional caregivers. He works with clients to understand and cope with their emotions, learn about their lifestyle and treatment options, maintain compliance with medical regimens, communicate effectively with the medical establishment, and listen to their own inner voice as they make decisions about the future. Gary welcomes your questions and comments.

E-mail: gary@JustGotDiagnosed.com

Website: www.JustGotDiagnosed.com

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

---

Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

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We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

Video: Copay Accumulator Adjustors

Recent CMS regulation allows insurers to include accumulator adjustors or similar provisions to 2021 ACA policies. This webinar explores accumulators and their potential impact for patients with chronic health conditions.

The information contained in this video is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or clinical advice on any subject matter.

Please direct any questions related to this webinar by email to: education@biomatrixsprx.com

Thank you!

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About Shelby Smoak
Advocate & Education Specialist at BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy

Shelby Smoak is a tireless advocate for patients with chronic health conditions. In the 90s, his experience living with a bleeding disorder and HIV led him to become actively involved in advocacy. He’s been saturated in the ever-changing dynamics of healthcare ever since. Shelby helps others understand complicated health policy and serves as a voice for patients with rare conditions across the nation. He’s been featured on TV and radio, including NPR. Shelby served on the board for the Hemophilia Association of the Capitol Area and currently serves on the Pfizer B2B board. A former literature professor, Shelby is also a writer and a musician. Awarded a Pen/American grant for writers living with HIV, Smoak holds a Ph.D. in Literature and an M.A. in English. His book, “Bleeder: A Memoir” received praise from sources as diverse as The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Library Journal, and Glamour, and has won several awards, including “Best of the Best” by the American Library Association.

BioMatrix Pharmacist Receives Prestigious “2020 Next-Generation Pharmacist” Award in Specialty Pharmacy Category

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BioMatrix Pharmacist Receives Prestigious “2020 Next-Generation Pharmacist” Award in Specialty Pharmacy Category

Kionna Oleru Honored for Adherence to Professional Standards, Experience Related to Specialty Pharmacy, and Advancement of the Specialty Pharmacy Profession

Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com

November 11, 2020 – Plantation, FL - BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy announced today that Kionna Oleru, Pharm.D, and manager of the organization’s Columbia, Maryland location, was awarded the prestigious 2020 Next-Generation Pharmacist award in the specialty pharmacy category. Presented by Pharmacy Times and Parata Systems, the Next-Generation Pharmacist Award program recognizes the leadership of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists, and industry advocates advancing the role of the modern pharmacist. This year marked the 11th annual gala, celebrating award recipients across the country in ten award categories including the top honor of being named the 2020 Next-Generation Pharmacist®.

The Next-Generation Specialty Pharmacist category is awarded to a pharmacist with a primary focus in, “specialty services and disease management for patients with complex or rare diseases who are being treated with high-touch, high-cost specialty medications.” Kionna was nominated by her peers and evaluated by an independent panel of esteemed judges from across the pharmacy industry. The panel is chaired by Pharmacy Times Editor-In-Chief Troy Trygstad and also includes previous Next-Generation award winners.

“Serving patients with chronic and rare diseases has been a pleasure of mine,” Kionna shared in her acceptance speech. “I get to work with a great team of pharmacists, technicians, support staff, and nurses to reach our patients. Together we have conducted research and created patient engagement programs that has really made a difference in patient lives.” Kionna has been a pharmacist for 13 years achieving board of pharmacy licenses in 9 states. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Howard University.

“I am so very proud of Kionna and all of her accomplishments,” stated Royce Burruss, RPh, MBA, cGCP, FASCP, Corporate Director of Clinical Services for BioMatrix. “I personally have no doubt that her patients, BioMatrix, and the profession of pharmacy will continue to be positively impacted by her important contributions into the foreseeable future.”

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About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.

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Video: Tips For Navigating Open Enrollment

Are you ready for open enrollment?

Open enrollment occurs once annually and is the period of time when consumers can make changes to their health insurance benefits.

Join BioMatrix by watching the following video and you’ll learn tips and key information as it relates to:

• Open enrollment dates

• Insurance terms

• Key questions to ask

• ACA plans

• Medicare

• TRICARE

• COVID-19 impacts to insurance

• Plans and policies to be wary of

• Financial assistance programs

The information contained in this video is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or clinical advice on any subject matter.

Please direct any questions related to this webinar by email to: openenrollment@biomatrixsprx.com

Thank you!

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About Shelby Smoak
Advocate & Education Specialist at BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy

Shelby Smoak is a tireless advocate for patients with chronic health conditions. In the 90s, his experience living with a bleeding disorder and HIV led him to become actively involved in advocacy. He’s been saturated in the ever-changing dynamics of healthcare ever since. Shelby helps others understand complicated health policy and serves as a voice for patients with rare conditions across the nation. He’s been featured on TV and radio, including NPR. Shelby served on the board for the Hemophilia Association of the Capitol Area and currently serves on the Pfizer B2B board. A former literature professor, Shelby is also a writer and a musician. Awarded a Pen/American grant for writers living with HIV, Smoak holds a Ph.D. in Literature and an M.A. in English. His book, “Bleeder: A Memoir” received praise from sources as diverse as The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Library Journal, and Glamour, and has won several awards, including “Best of the Best” by the American Library Association.

Being Certain in a Time of Uncertainty

By Shelby Smoak, Ph.D.

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How are we to reopen our country, our states, our cities, our bleeding disorders community, in this time of great uncertainty? How can we be certain we are doing the right things and doing them the right way?

Ultimately that kind of certainty eludes us. Only time can reveal those answers. But there are other things of which we may be certain, and it is these things upon which we can build confidence in moving forward and reopening.

Let’s look at what we can be certain of in these uncertain times.

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We now know far more about COVID-19.

In early March when most of the U.S. went on lockdown and a State of Emergency was declared, fear drove so many things: What is COVID-19? How do you get it? What happens if you catch it? How can you stay safe? While our fear of things – snakes, ledges, fire, deadly viruses – is an inherent survival response and in many cases keeps us alive, we cannot live in a continuous, unending state of heightened fear. Our bodies and our minds cannot endure such constant stress. With many questions answered, our fear has diminished, and our response to navigating life with COVID-19 can be more rational.

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COVID-19 is not going to magically disappear in the next few months.

While it was wishful thinking to hope that summer would take care of COVID-19, we know that didn’t happen. Accepting that COVID-19 is still here will help you make choices that are smarter and safer as we move forward with reopening stores and businesses. Assume that COVID-19 is with you in those places, and protect yourself against it.

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Social distancing can reduce COVID-19’s spread.

Your proximity to someone who is possibly contagious has an enormous impact on the virus’s ability to infect you.

More space equals less risk. It’s as simple as that. The CDC has continually emphasized that “maintaining 6 feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.”¹

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Handwashing for 20 seconds can reduce COVID-19 infections.

Handwashing is something everybody can do and it goes a long way toward keeping you safe. For one, soap molecules have been clinically demonstrated to kill the virus by attracting the virus to the soap molecules, dissolving the virus’s protective barrier, and dislodging it from your hands.² The CDC recommends washing your hands especially when you’ve been in public places, and always before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth – a thing the average person does 23 times an hour – since knowing this is how the virus enters the body.³

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Wearing a face mask will reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Although this has been debated and the resistance to mask-wearing has become a hot topic, the certainty is that masks will reduce the risk of exposure. They do this in two ways: first by reducing viral transmission and second by quelling a person’s habit of touching their face. Combined with social distancing, masks provide another layer of defense against COVID-19.

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Mitigation strategies like social distancing and mask-wearing will be an individual choice in many situations.

States, businesses, communities, and bleeding disorders organizations are all responding differently to reopening. Although the CDC has issued guidelines to advise these entities on reopening, a uniform message is lacking as is any enforcement. For example, the Virginia Department of Health, where I live, “requires people to wear cloth face coverings when spending time in indoor public settings.”⁴ However, the Virginia Department of Health does not have a police force, nor is it the responsibility of local police departments to necessarily enforce this. Some Virginia businesses have placed a greeter in the doorway to turn away those not wearing masks, but most do not police their stores either.

In many states there are no face mask requirements, reinforcing even more the individual choice involved in that protective strategy. Ultimately, individuals, business owners, and communities will shoulder the burden of what reopening looks like, and it will differ from person to person, store to store, community to community. Make choices that keep you safe, even if those decisions are not universally adopted in the place where you live.

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We will get through this.

This is absolutely certain. Nobody can say what the other side of this looks like, but all can agree we will get there. History and our survival of so many terrible things are our examples here. I will turn to the plague of the 1660s and an author I admire, Samuel Pepys, who kept a diary of his experience of that time. He lived in London when the plague struck in 1665. It is estimated that as many as 1000 people were dying daily in The Great Plague of London – a death toll that is sadly, but eerily equal to the current number of daily deaths in the U.S. due to COVID-19.⁵

Out of fear, Pepys left London for a cottage in the countryside. While that is a luxury most of us do not have, it certainly highlights the sage advice of social distancing because Pepys survived and returned to London the following year. He found the businesses reopened, church members gathering, and the community filled again with life. London had survived. Life was returned and the city reopened.⁶

The United States will as well.

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1. CDC. “Recommendations Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission.” 3 Apr 2020. Cdc.gov.

2. Rigby, Sara. “Coronavirus: Is Hand-Washing Really the Best Thing We Can Do to Stop the Spread of Coronavirus?” Science Focus. 13 Apr. 2020. www.sciencefocus.com.

3. CDC. “Keeping Hands Clean.” www.cdc.gov.

4. Virginia Department of Health. “Cloth Face Covers.” 8 June 2020. www.vdh.virginia.gov.

5. Diamond, Dan. “White House Goes Quiet on Coronavirus as Outbreak Spikes Again Across US.” Politico. 10 June 2020. Politico.com.

6. Aslet, Clive. “Samuel Pepys’s Merry Plague-Time.” The New Criterion. May 2020. 78-80.

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Awarded Preferred Provider Status for Immunoglobulin Therapies

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BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Awarded Preferred Provider Status for Immunoglobulin Therapies

Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[DOWNLOAD PDF]

October 19, 2020 – Plantation, FL - BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy announced today preferred network status with AscellaHealth for both intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (IG) therapy treating patients in the neurology, immunology, transplant, and rare disease space. The decision to include BioMatrix in the PBM’s national network was based on overall clinical expertise, extensive IG experience across a broad range of therapeutic categories, operational efficiencies, data reporting capabilities, and competitive pricing model. Effective October 6, 2020, BioMatrix is one of the specialty pharmacies selected by the PBM to hold preferred provider status.

AscellaHealth is a national Specialty PBM serving commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid health plans. The rapidly growing organization includes over 1 million covered lives and has earned a name by providing high quality care for patients and substantial cost savings for plan sponsors. Dea Belazi, President & CEO of AscellaHealth affirmed, “We are excited to be working with BioMatrix to support our IG patients and look forward to continuing to provide innovative service models.” “We are pleased to expand our partnership with AscellaHealth to include IG therapy,” BioMatrix CEO Nick Karalis stated. “Our partnership creates value by uniting providers and other healthcare stakeholders to simplify the patient journey, improve patient health, and appropriately controlling specialty drug spend for plan sponsors of AscellaHealth.”

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About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.

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About AscellaHealth
AscellaHealth, a national specialty pharmacy benefit manager (SPBMTM), serving commercial, Medicare and Medicaid segments, offers high quality prescription drug benefit management services, complemented by other customizable services such as carved-out specialty pharmacy services and cost-savings discount programs. Through its unique and proprietary services, AscellaHealth provides a service portfolio that extends discounts on prescription medications to customers more than any other in the industry.

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Speeding Access to Therapy—How Prescribers, Specialty Pharmacies, and Patients Can Work Together

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Patients benefit from accessing a prescribed therapy quickly - but many are faced with barriers that can delay the start of treatment.

According to a survey of specialty pharmacy industry professionals, 70% felt that there is room for improvement in speed-to-therapy.¹ It’s critical for patients, prescribers, and specialty pharmacists to understand their role in minimizing barriers to timely treatment. Here, we discuss three of these barriers and how they can be minimized.

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1. Communication Barriers

In an ideal world, every stakeholder does what they can to get patients their medication as quickly as possible. However, missing or incorrect patient information on referrals¹ as well as lack of communication from the patient can slow down the process. Here are some tips on how each stakeholder can improve their communication.

Patient
Prior to starting treatment, the pharmacist typically reaches out to the patient to discuss insurance coverage of the prescribed medication, review the therapy plan, answer any questions, and schedule the best time and place to receive the medication. Picking up the phone and/or returning these phone calls from the pharmacist ensures that treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

Pharmacy
Pharmacists can help improve communication with prescribers by confirming information from a referral and collecting any missing information as soon as possible. When contacting prescribers to manage drug interactions or suggest changes to therapy, pharmacists should never assume the prescriber will recall the patient, their health information, and/or prescribed therapy. Prescribers typically have a high volume of patients and may need to be informed of an individual’s scenario. Pharmacists should describe the patient and their issue succinctly and accurately.²

Prescriber
One common culprit in slowing down start to therapy on the prescriber side is the use of error prone abbreviations. For example, ‘TIW’ (3 times a week) can be commonly mistaken for ‘3 times a day’ or ‘twice in a week’.³ This chart contains instances commonly reported through the ISMP National Medication Errors Reporting Program (ISMP MERP) as being frequently misinterpreted. Prescribers should avoid abbreviations, if possible, when submitting referrals.

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2. Payer Related Barriers

Payers need to verify that a certain drug, procedure, or treatment is medically necessary before extending coverage—i.e., prior authorization. However, prior authorization as well as denials and appeals can slow down access to therapy. Some data suggests that prior authorization issues account for nearly 50% of delays in treatment¹. Here are some tips on how each stakeholder can help minimize these challenges.

Patient
Dealing with insurance issues or appeals can be a frustrating and challenging process for the patient. To proactively navigate coverage challenges, the patient can:

• Make tracking a part of everyday life:
  - Keep detailed records, and document every call with the insurer
  - Document the medical necessity of the treatment
• Appeal payer denials. Sometimes patients realize denials can be appealed. Every plan’s process for filing an appeal varies. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine the specific appeal process. Patients can involve their medical provider and specialty pharmacy for additional assistance.
• Understand how prior authorizations function within one’s coverage—especially during open enrollment. Patients can learn more about identifying prior authorizations and other mechanisms that can cause ‘slow downs’ in health care here.

For more helpful tips on how patients can navigate payer related barriers, click here.

Pharmacist
It’s important for the pharmacist to help the patient understand their specialty insurance coverage. This includes support in therapy initiation, payer outreach, benefit investigation, prior authorization, appeals management, and connectivity to manufacturer patient access services. The pharmacy team can also help support prescribers during the prior authorization/appeals process.

Prescriber
For prior authorization, the insurance company will generally require the prescriber to submit notes and/or lab results documenting the patient’s condition and treatment history. This takes a lot of time to manage. To minimize prior authorization denials the prescriber can⁴:

• Implement an electronic prior authorization filing system. This avoids manual error of inputting wrong or missing patient information.
• Be familiar with the payer policy, prior authorization process, and requirements
• Make a list of the drugs payers will cover for common diseases and/or rare diseases within the prescriber’s specialty

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3. Financial Barriers

High deductibles and coinsurance are being shifted at higher rates from employers and payers to the patient⁵. Many patients with chronic conditions requiring costly treatment simply can’t afford these cost-sharing requirements, delaying much needed treatment. Both the patient and specialty pharmacy can help minimize these financial barriers.

Patient
If a patient has insurance gaps or is uninsured, patient assistance programs (PAPs) step in to provide financial assistance for treatments at little to no cost. PAPs can also help chronically ill patients and their families pay for utilities and other non-healthcare related items that fulfill vital needs and improve quality of life.

Here are some examples of patient assistance programs:

• Patient Services Inc.
• Patient Access Network (PAN)
• Patient Advocate Foundation
• Health Wellness Foundation

To learn more about patient assistance programs, click here.

Pharmacist
While PAPs can help speed access to therapy for patients, the application process is generally complicated. Specialty pharmacies can help identify co-pay assistance programs and connect patients with the right resources for enrollment.

If the patient is using a manufacturer or other third-party copay assistance program, pharmacists can also check for copay accumulators—i.e. whether or not payments from their assistance program are being applied to their out-of-pocket costs.

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At BioMatrix, we value timely access to care. This is how we help maximize speed to therapy:

• The patient’s prescription is set up in our system after receiving a referral within 2 to 4 hours. We contact their prescriber to confirm we received the referral and collect any missing information.

• After confirming information with the prescriber, we reach out to the patient directly to review their referral, set expectations, and make sure they have all of our relevant contact information.

• During this time the BioMatrix team also performs a benefits investigation to determine the patient’s insurance plan design, coverage of prescribed medication, and home nursing services (if applicable). We share with them how and where the therapy is covered and explore options for financial assistance and co-pay support where applicable.

• For specialty drugs that require a prior authorization, we work with the prescriber and insurance plan to facilitate timely approval.

• If needed, we find and qualify home nursing for the patient’s home infusion/injection.

• Prior to dispensing therapy, we schedule a call with the patient to review their therapy plan and answer any questions they may have. We conduct a brief clinical assessment and final quality and safety checks. We then schedule the best time and place for the patient to receive their medication.

• We provide tracking information for the medication shipment and confirm delivery upon receipt. As the patient begins treatment, the BioMatrix clinical team is available around-the-clock to support them on their journey to better health.

Our services are designed to remove burden, improve health, and make life easier for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. BioMatrix is proud to make a difference in the communities we serve, one patient at a time.

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1. Duey M. (2013). Speed-to-Therapy Insights in Specialty Pharmacy. Pharmacy Times. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/speed-to-therapy-insights-in-specialty-pharmacy

2. (2019). Tips For Effective Communication Between Pharmacists and Prescribers. Pharmacy Connection. https://pharmacyconnection.ca/communication-between-pharmacists-prescribers-summer-2019/

3. (2014). Prescriber–patient–pharmacist communication is crucial. APhA. https://www.pharmacist.com/article/prescriber-patient-pharmacist-communication-crucial

4. Ward V. The Shocking Truth about Prior Authorization Process in Healthcare. ReferralMD. https://getreferralmd.com/2018/04/prior-authorization-problems-healthcare-2/#:~:text=At%20this%20stage%2C%20the%20patient,Ultimately%2C%20the%20product%20is%20approved

5.Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. (2019). Framework to Address High Cost Burden for People with Serious Chronic Conditions. https://www.fightchronicdisease.org/resources/framework-address-high-cost-burden-people-serious-chronic-conditions

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

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Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Named as One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation Two Years Running

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BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Named as One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation Two Years Running

2020 Award Demonstrates Continued Commitment to Employees, Culture, and Community

Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[DOWNLOAD PDF]

September 30, 2020 – Plantation, FL - BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy announced today they have again been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) for 2020. This announcement comes on the heels of their 2019 Best and Brightest award as well as recent recognition as an Inc. 5000 company.

Companies were assessed by an independent research firm on a number of key measures and industry benchmarks to determine the “Best and Brightest” designation. Key measures and categories include: Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance, and the Best of the Best: Small Business, Medium Business, and Large Business.

“Through the first half of 2020, the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For have demonstrated leadership and forward thinking as they pivoted their business and workforce through COVID-19. As the conversation and focus has shifted, our Best and Brightest winning companies have also been a voice for important actions regarding Race. It is in these unique times, the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For excel and share their knowledge with others" said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

“It’s an exciting time to be a member of the BioMatrix family,” Diane Schumacher, Vice President, Human Resources asserts. “Despite the challenges we’ve faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the company and its’ employees have continued to thrive in the face of adversity. I am so proud of our performance and all we’ve been able to collectively accomplish.”

All 2020 companies selected to be recognized nationally as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For® will be featured in the online edition of Corp! Magazine.

As BioMatrix continues to grow, the organization is seeking top talent in several functional areas of the business. Employment opportunities can be found on the BioMatrix website or the organization’s LinkedIn page.

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About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.

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About the Best and Brightest Programs
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

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The Cost of Living with a Chronic Illness—How Patient Assistance Programs Can Help

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Living with a chronic condition is costly—emotionally, physically, and financially.

Those with multiple chronic conditions have poorer health, use more health services, and spend more on healthcare overall.¹ And while we tend to think those living with chronic conditions make up a small portion of the population, that’s simply not true. Sixty percent of adults in the U.S. are living with at least one chronic illness. Forty percent of adults have two or more.²

As financial barriers to care continue to rise³, employers and health plans are shifting more of the cost burden on consumers through high deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing requirements⁴ which can quickly drain paychecks and savings—especially for the chronically ill. The number of uninsured also continues to rise (up 7.9% in 2019 compared to 2017).⁵

When patients have to pay high out-of-pocket costs for their care and treatment, they’re more likely to skip optional care and delay critical care. This leads to both poorer treatment outcomes and overall health. Poor health can lead to lost workdays and potential loss of employment.⁴ It’s a classic domino effect and an unfortunate burden to bear for the chronically ill and their families.

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Is There Help?

Yes. Patient assistance programs (PAPs) step in to provide financial assistance for treatments at little to no cost both for those with coverage gaps and for the uninsured. Ultimately, they improve adherence and therefore support better treatment outcomes by reducing financial barriers to care. PAPs can be sponsored by pharmaceutical companies (manufacturers), state/community programs, and nonprofits. In addition to financial support for treatment, PAPs can also help chronically ill patients and their families pay for utilities and other non-healthcare related items that fulfill vital needs and improve quality of life. 

Here are some examples of patient assistance programs:

• Patient Services Inc.

• Patient Access Network (PAN)

• Patient Advocate Foundation

• Health Wellness Foundation

The Role of Specialty Pharmacy

Though PAPs are typically a really good option for those with chronic illness, there are a few critiques of these programs. The application process is generally complicated, and there are often additional steps for patients to take in order to get their needed treatment. Patients may also need the support of multiple programs if they have multiple treatments.⁶

This is where specialty pharmacies can help. An important role of the specialty pharmacy is to help identify co-pay assistance programs and connect patients with the right resources for enrollment. At BioMatrix, our team is well versed in helping patients find appropriate financial assistance programs. From manufacturer co-pay programs to charity-based financial assistance, we facilitate access to resources and support helping patients access specialized healthcare without breaking the bank.

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BioMatrix is proud to make a difference in the communities we serve, one patient at a time.

Our clinicians and support staff offer a tailored approach to every therapeutic category, improving quality of life for patients and producing positive outcomes along the healthcare continuum. Learn more.

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1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2020. Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/costs/index.htm

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2019. Chronic Diseases in America. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/chronic-diseases.htm

3. National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 2018. Health Insurance: Premiums and Increases. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/health-insurance-premiums.aspx

4. Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. (2019). Framework to Address High Cost Burden for People with Serious Chronic Conditions. https://www.fightchronicdisease.org/resources/framework-address-high-cost-burden-people-serious-chronic-conditions

5. J Kim. (2019). Rate of Uninsured Americans Rises for the First Time Since Obamacare Took Effect in 2014. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/10/rate-of-insured-americans-decreases-for-the-first-time-since-obamacare.html

6. N Choudhry, J Lee, J Agnew-Blais, C Corcoran, W Shrank. 2009. Drug Company–Sponsored Patient Assistance Programs: A Viable Safety Net? https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.827#R13

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Our entire team is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve.

For updated information regarding our response to developments related to COVID-19, a letter from our CEO, and early refill requests, please click here.

Stay healthy, and be well.

We are with you and will get through this together.

---

Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.

We value your privacy. Review our Privacy Policy here.

BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Ranks Among Inc. 5000’s List Of Fastest-Growing Private Companies In America

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BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy Ranks Among Inc. 5000’s List Of Fastest-Growing Private Companies In America

Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[DOWNLOAD PDF]

August 12, 2020 – Plantation, FL – BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy announced today the organization has ranked among the fastest growing private companies in America. BioMatrix placed 2322 on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, joining some of the most successful companies in America. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

The Inc. 5000 announcement comes on the heels of additional national recognition BioMatrix received for their leadership in the business and specialty pharmacy space. In February, BioMatrix was recognized by the National Association for Business Resources for being one of the “Best and Brightest” companies to work for in the nation, and in May the organization was one of the first nationwide specialty pharmacies to receive enterprise level accreditation from leading accrediting entity URAC. 

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Inc. as one of the fastest growing private companies in America,” BioMatrix CEO Nick Karalis shares. “We owe our success to an amazing nationwide team working hard every day to provide best-in-class specialty pharmacy services for patients and the healthcare stakeholders who help support them.”

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held virtually from October 23 to 27, 2020. Speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

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About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.

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More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology
The 2020 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com/