Accredo

Accredo

Accredo is a specialized pharmacy that serves patients with complex and chronic health conditions, including cancer, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia, pulmonary hypertension, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions. Accredo is a subsidiary of Express Scripts, a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) organization.

History

Accredo was founded in 1983 as a small, local pharmacy in Memphis, Tennessee. The company initially focused on providing home infusion services for patients with hemophilia. Over time, Accredo expanded its services to include other complex and chronic conditions. In 2005, Accredo was acquired by Medco Health Solutions, a leading PBM at the time. In 2012, Medco was acquired by Express Scripts, making Accredo a part of one of the largest PBMs in the United States.

Services

Accredo provides a range of services to patients with complex and chronic conditions. These services include specialty pharmacy services, patient support services, and clinical management programs. Accredo's specialty pharmacy services include the dispensing and delivery of specialty medications, patient education and counseling, and adherence support. Patient support services include financial assistance programs, insurance coordination, and personalized care plans. Clinical management programs include disease-specific care plans, clinical consultations, and ongoing monitoring and support.

Impact

Accredo's services have a significant impact on the health outcomes of patients with complex and chronic conditions. By providing specialized care and support, Accredo helps these patients manage their conditions, adhere to their medication regimens, and improve their quality of life. Accredo's services also help to reduce healthcare costs by preventing hospitalizations and other costly healthcare events.

Criticism

Like other PBMs and specialty pharmacies, Accredo has faced criticism for its pricing practices. Critics argue that PBMs and specialty pharmacies, including Accredo, contribute to the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States. Accredo and Express Scripts have defended their pricing practices, arguing that they help to control healthcare costs by negotiating discounts with drug manufacturers and providing cost-effective care.

See also

• Pharmacy benefit management
• Specialty pharmacy
• Express Scripts