Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I initiate the program?

Your consent is required to implement the Pharmacy Program.
  • Sign the Pharmacy Management Program Agreement and fax to HCA/TCM @ 864-233-5337.
    A password will be assigned that will allow access to the pharmacy program resources and documents.
  • Download the Temporary Rx Card*
  • Establish a procedure to inform designated staff to issue Temporary Card at Point of Injury
* The states of MA, ME, MN, NH, NY, OH, RI do not allow use of a temporary card and require the “registered” card
 
Do I have to participate?
No, you may choose not to participate in the prescription program by phoning Hewitt, Coleman’s Managed Care Department at 1-800-638-6829, extension 853.
 
Is it necessary for HCA to have the First Report prior to the claimant receiving medications?
No, as the employer, you will have access to the Temporary Form Card.  This will allow the claimant to present to a participating pharmacy and have a 7-day supply of medications on the approved list filled.  A First Report must be filed before the end of the 7-day period in order for the adjuster to complete their investigation and assign an Active status to the claim.  Otherwise, medications will not be dispensed. The Temporary Card can be downloaded from our web site by participating clients.
 
Do you have a 1-800 First Report Service?
Yes.  You may choose to utilize our First Report service and be prompted to issue the Temporary Form Card. This service can be an effective tool to use in conjunction with your pharmacy program.  For more information, call our managed care department at 1-800-638-6829, extension 853.
 
Are materials available in Spanish?
Yes, materials are available in both English and Spanish.
 
Who would the Injured Worker phone with questions?
The Injured Worker should call their adjuster regarding claims issues.  Issues regarding pharmacy locations, mail order, etc. may be directed to Express Scripts at 1-800-945-5951.
 
What is included in the costs of the program?
The percent of savings fee covers the costs of monthly detail reporting, booklet and card distribution, clinical pharmacist oversight, pharmacy compounding and dispensing fees, state taxes, pharmacy utilization and pharmacological management.
 
What happens if medications are prescribed that are not on your approved list?
For an Active claim status, the HCA adjuster or nurse will be contacted by Express Scripts and must respond within 24 hours, either approving or declining the medication pay. Special claimant profiles can be established to accommodate special needs.
 
What medications are on the prior approval list?
Antidepressants: Serzone, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft
Narcotic Analgesics: Duragesic, Oxycontin, Morphine
Prescriptions for these medications will trigger Nurse Triage and Case Management review.
 
What happens if a medication needs prior approval on a weekend?
Medications requiring Prior Approval are limited.  The physician may be contacted to choose an alternate medication included on the approved list OR the medication may be approved. This program is intended to service the outpatient claimant.
 
Do physicians receive a list of approved medications?
Per Employer Special Instructions, HCA will issue a listing of the approved medications.
 
What type of medical management intervention ensues when medications not included on the approved list are deemed medically appropriate?
The file is reviewed by the TCM nurse with recommendations regarding implementation of ongoing medical management.
 
Is the Injured Worker balance billed?
No, the pharmacist has contractually agreed to the reduced charge.
 
Can a profile for a specific Injured Worker be customized?
Yes, phone your Hewitt, Coleman adjuster or nurse.  If a claimant requires medications typically not prescribed in association with workers’ compensation, a clinical profile can be created for the claimant, so medications can be filled with no out-of-pocket expenses.
 
What type of Utilization Review is in place?
  • A clinical pharmacist oversees the prescription program
  • Limited drug list of approved medication
  • Prior approval required on select medications
  • Checks for duplicate medications
What happens after the 7 Day Short-Fill?
The Adjuster completes the investigation of the claim and assigns a pharmacy status
Electronic pharmacy eligibility status is transmitted daily so that the pharmacists will have ready access to current data
All “Active Status” claimants will receive a booklet and registered pharmacy card detailing the program elements, along with a list of the participating pharmacy chains*. 
 
*  In order to locate independent pharmacy members the claimant will need to phone Express Scripts or the Employer may access the directory on Hewitt, Coleman’s web site and print it for posting.
 
What if a claimant loses medication or goes out of town or the prescription will expire on a holiday?
Special handling instructions have been issued to Express Scripts for all of the above scenarios.  Reasonableness will be employed and adequate medication will be issued to cover the urgent or unusual circumstance.
 
How may a claimant initiate Mail Order?
The HCA adjuster will designate candidacy for mail order.  This status will be transmitted to Express Scripts, who will in turn contact the claimant directly.
 
What happens when the claim closes?
The pharmacy status is changed to “closed” blocking future prescriptions from being filled.
 
If I currently utilize another pharmacy arrangement, how do I change?
Contractual constraints will supersede all other considerations.  On an individual basis, pharmacy service can be redirected where no contractual constraints apply.  HCA can initiate this process.  With a signed Pharmacy Management Agreement, HCA will assume our client has no other binding contract for pharmacy management and will redirect all prescriptions through Express Scripts. The claimant may phone Express Scripts at 1-800-945-5951.  They will need the name of the doctor, phone number, and the types of medications they are taking.