Based on guidance from its Independent
Pharmacy Advisory Committee, Express Scripts will collaborate with
CPESN ® USA through its
IndependentRx initiative
ST.
LOUIS, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Express
Scripts, the pharmacy benefits services business of The Cigna
Group's (NYSE: CI) Evernorth, is making it easier for people to
access a broader range of care services at independent pharmacies.
This new collaboration with CPESN® USA, a network of pharmacy providers that
deliver health services, is a direct result of guidance from the
organization's Independent Pharmacy Advisory Committee, which
includes 38 pharmacists from all regions of the United States and is led by former
independent pharmacy owner, Stephanie
Smith Cooney, Pharm.D, senior director of independent
pharmacy affairs at Express Scripts.
"Local pharmacies are the doorway to essential health care for
many people, and independent pharmacies are critical to closing
gaps in care for many communities," said Adam Kautzner, Pharm.D, president of Evernorth
Care Management and Express Scripts. "This collaboration with CPESN
USA represents a meaningful step
forward as we advance on our commitment to deepen relationships
with independent pharmacists and remove barriers to quality care at
the community level."
Initially, efforts with CPESN USA will focus on enhanced care services for
Medicare beneficiaries living with hypertension and diabetes, with
plans to expand to additional capabilities and offerings. It's
estimated that diabetes affects roughly one in five Medicare
beneficiaries aged 65 years and up, and 64% of people with Medicare
fee-for-service report to have a diagnosis of
hypertension. CPESN pharmacies will provide enhanced care,
including coordination with other health providers to address care
gaps, identification of at-risk people paired with pharmacist-led
interventions, and informed medication management and optimization.
CPESN USA's network of over 3,500
pharmacies in 44 states also adds new options for care delivery
within the Express Scripts retail pharmacy network.
"CPESN pharmacies have proven their ability to improve the
health of the patients we serve while reducing overall healthcare
costs," said Alison Haas, Pharm.D.,
owner of a CPESN pharmacy in Jackson
Center, Ohio, and director of value based contracting for
CPESN USA. "We are looking forward
to the upcoming collaboration with Express Scripts and are hopeful
to quickly bring additional opportunities to our pharmacy providers
and, in turn, improve the health of our mutual patients."
"It is critical that independent pharmacy perspectives are heard
and considered across the pharmacy services industry," emphasized
Cooney. "Our Independent Pharmacy Advisory Committee provides
a forum for this dialogue, and has already produced impactful
changes, including this collaboration with CPESN USA, which will elevate independent
pharmacists' work and allow them to focus on providing people with
the best care possible."
These actions are the latest in Express Scripts' IndependentRx
Initiative, which seeks to strengthen pharmacists' essential role
in delivering care. Last year, as part of the organization's
commitment to expanding access to care while supporting small
businesses, Express Scripts invested millions of dollars to
increase reimbursements for independent pharmacies that serve rural
communities.
About Evernorth Health Services
Evernorth Health
Services creates pharmacy, care and benefits solutions to improve
health and increase vitality. We relentlessly innovate to make the
prediction, prevention and treatment of illness and disease more
accessible to millions of people. Evernorth capabilities are
powered by our businesses, including Express Scripts, Express
Scripts® Pharmacy, Accredo, eviCore and MDLIVE, along with holistic
Evernorth platforms and solutions that move people and
organizations forward. All Evernorth solutions are serviced and
provided by or through operating affiliates of Evernorth Health, a
wholly owned subsidiary of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), or
third-party partners. Learn more at evernorth.com.
Contact:
Justine Sessions
860-810-6523
media@evernorth.com
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SOURCE Express Scripts