For example, patients who are being prescribed GLP-1s are more likely to get coverage if they also have preexisting conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and the like
An addition to the Optum Rx Concurrent Drug Utilization Review (cDUR) program, the new solution uses Duplicate Therapy (DUPTHER) screening to ensure members are using appropriate doses of GLP-1 medications
Wellstar was also honored for pandemic response efforts, including quickly leveraging telehealth to serve patients, creating team member mental wellness programs, and allocating and redeveloping resources across the system
"For someone with type 2 diabetes or significant obesity, the cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic benefits [of these medications] are large and well-established, and stopping abruptly carries its own risks, so any change should be a conversation with your prescriber," he said
J Clin Invest 101: 503510, 1998