February 19, 2021

AMCP to hold seminar series about managed care pharmacy

By Joseph Paul Javier

On Thursday, February 25, at 6 p.m., the Wayne State University chapter of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy will be kicking off the first of a three-part online seminar series. This first seminar will feature Dr. Christopher Bigness, a clinical pharmacist from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and PGY1 preceptor for managed care pharmacy residents.

“I encourage my fellow PharmD students to attend this AMCP seminar and learn about managed care with Dr. Bigness,” said P3 Rachel Christensen, who serves as WSU’s AMCP chapter treasurer. “I joined AMCP to get involved in nontraditional career paths in pharmacy. Although I first intend on pursuing a career in clinical pharmacy after I graduate, I will possibly transition into managed care pharmacy. And through the local and national AMCP organization, I’ve gained access to resources and networking opportunities just like our upcoming seminar series.”

The theme of the AMCP seminar is Drug Utilization Management. This aspect of managed care seeks to reduce drug costs, prevent clinical mistakes, and help ensure that patients receive the most appropriate medication for their particular condition. Health care plans utilize management tools to balance cost, convenience, and access, and these include quantity limits, refill limits, generic substitution, therapeutic substitution, prior authorization, step therapy and restrictions on the use of off-label drugs.

Students interested in learning more about managed care pharmacy and AMCP can RSVP and complete a short questionnaire to be entered in a drawing for a $15 Starbucks gift card.

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