Ep #469: Pharmacy Benefit Management Unraveled: From Pricing to Genomics - with Dave Parker

Ever wondered how the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) industry really works? Join us for an enlightening chat with our guest, Dave Parker, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TrueScript, as we unravel the intricacies of the traditional PBM relationship. Gain insight as Dave dissects key terms like average wholesale price and net cost, and unveils the ways PBMs make their money. We also delve into the trend of manufacturers moving closer to employers to shake off spread pricing models. More importantly, discover why it’s crucial to ask the right questions in a PBM relationship.

We also step into the fascinating world of pharmacogenomics testing for prescription drugs, a game-changing approach that could redefine the healthcare industry. Picture this - a one-time test that prevents the misprescribing of medications, saving patients and doctors from hefty medical bills and hospital stays. Indeed, such a test already exists, and some PBMs are benefiting from the potential savings it brings. We’ll also investigate the prospect of making this a routine test for newborns and what it could mean for stop loss carriers. Last but not least, Dave returns to introduce us to the emergence of transparent PBMs - a revolutionary shift that is transforming the industry and proving particularly appealing to younger consumers. Tune in for an episode packed with industry insights and thought-provoking discussions.