Specialty pharmacies play a big part in positive health outcomes by making sure patients with complex or chronic illnesses receive the medications, infusion treatments, and related services they need. Here is what you need to know if your doctor has sent a prescription or referred you to a specialty pharmacy. 

What is a specialty pharmacy?

Specialty pharmacies, like California Specialty Pharmacy (CSP), fill prescription medications that aren’t available at retail pharmacies and are more complex than the prescription pills or creams you pick up at your neighborhood store. Specialty medications are often expensive and account for more than 50% of the money spent on medications in the U.S. They may require special handling and have unique storage and administration requirements (such as injection medications that must be kept cold or delivered through IV).  

Specialty pharmacies help patients living with cancer and other chronic health conditions such as neurological, inflammation impacting bones and muscles, digestive, allergy/immunology, and skin conditions. 

What do specialty pharmacies do differently?

CSP and other specialty pharmacies/specialty infusion providers have pharmacists, nurses, and other clinical specialists on staff who have knowledge and training in safely handling and administering specialty medications that help people with complex and chronic diseases. Some of the medications specialty pharmacies work with may include biologics, medications that need to be delivered via injection, chemotherapy (cancer) drugs, medications delivered by IV/infusion, and treatments for rare diseases. 

As clinical specialists in these areas, specialty pharmacy teams help ensure that you have all the information you need to understand your therapy. This includes how to administer/take the medication, what the side effects might be and tips for managing them, and ensuring you receive your refills on time.  

Specialty pharmacies partner with manufacturers and other suppliers to provide a wide range of specialty medications. They then ensure you receive your medications as quickly and efficiently as possible. CSP offers fast processing, with four different ways for you to receive your medication: by mail, at home, at our ambulatory infusion centers (AICs), or via delivery to your doctor’s office. 

What will my experience be like with a specialty pharmacy?

Making sure you and your family have the personalized support you need is an important benefit of working with the specialty pharmacy team. That support may include disease education, information about how to use the medication, help keeping track of treatment progress, and helping you plan so you can take your medication as scheduled. 

At CSP, we offer you one-on-one education, nursing support, 24/7 on-call customer and pharmacist support, and an online patient portal. When you begin a treatment through CSP, a care team is assigned to learn about you and your condition, what medications you are taking, and what health insurance you are using. With this information, the team creates your personalized care plan. 

CSP care team members are always accessible to you. They will proactively contact you to check in, answer questions, and offer support and guidance. They also provide ongoing training and education about your condition and your medication to you and your family members. 

As one of California’s leading specialty infusion providers, CSP offers infusion therapy (IV therapy) in homes and at ambulatory infusion centers in California. The company also offers specialty pharmacy, home infusion, and ambulatory infusion services at  partner sites in Hawaii, operating as Hawaii Specialty Pharmacy. 

How do I cover the cost of my specialty medications?

Specialty medications are often expensive, but at CSP our goal is to help alleviate the stress of wondering how you will pay for it.  That’s why we build strong relationships with insurance companies and healthcare providers and work with you to: 

• Navigate health insurance coverage and processes 

• Understand what your specific health or pharmacy plan covers 

• Determine the out-of-pocket cost you are required to pay 

• Find financial assistance programs 

• Communicate with insurance companies and other organizations to make sure you can receive your medications without cost being a burden.  

How can a specialty pharmacy help me manage my health?

As a specialty pharmacy, CSP plays an important role in making sure you receive the care and medications you need to manage your condition. 

CSP stays in close communication with your doctor or other healthcare providers to ensure prescriptions are received quickly, discuss treatment plans, and help address any challenges that may come up during your treatment. 

Taking your medications regularly and as instructed by your doctors (this is called medication adherence) is important for maintaining your health. That’s why CSP uses tools and technologies to help make sure you are taking your medications on schedule. Our team reaches out if there are challenges with adherence, offering you follow-up calls and prescription refill reminders. 

You can be confident that CSP will empower you to manage your health through strong customer service, personalized support, and a cooperative relationship.  

To learn more about CSP’s services, visit https://csprx.com/servicess/. 

Legal Disclaimer: 

This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Individual experiences with infusion therapy may vary, and healthcare decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice based on a person’s medical history and condition. 

By accessing this blog, you agree to hold harmless the author, publisher, and any associated parties from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from the use or interpretation of this content. 

@2024 California Specialty Pharmacy, LLC. All rights reserved.