TY - JOUR
AU - Powers, Mary, F.
AB - Abstract Purpose The capabilities of available software programs for the management of applications to patient assistance programs (PAPs) and associated administrative tasks are reported. Summary Fifteen PAP software programs available at the time of data collection (July–September 2010) were identified through an Internet search and from e-mailed responses to a listserv request. To supplement and confirm the information obtained online, the software makers were contacted; additional data were collected through follow-up correspondence. The survey was restricted to standalone programs; all manufacturer-provided information was assumed to be accurate, and the products were not tested. The 15 software products evaluated (11 Web-based and 4 Windows-based programs) offered a wide range of capabilities to streamline the PAP application process, such as storage of patient and physician profiles, automatic completion of forms with stored data, application status tracking, and customized report generation. The Web-based programs offered some advantages over the Windows-based programs, including greater user accessibility and automatic updates. Product pricing varied widely, depending on the specific licensing terms. Some manufacturers offered discounts to health care organizations participating in the 340B Prime Vendor Program; some offered volume discounts. In addition, grant support may be available to help pay software licensing costs. Conclusion There are at least 15 software programs for streamlining and enhancing the process of PAP application management. No single program can meet the needs of every organization; selecting the right product demands a close look at the needs of an organization and the features and logistics of each program. Charity, Computers, Costs, Data collection, Industry, Industry, pharmaceutical, Internet, Patient information Selecting a software program for managing applications to patient assistance programs (PAPs) may at first seem like a daunting task. There are multiple programs available for health care facilities looking for a tool to help their personnel manage patients’ PAP paperwork. Each program offers a unique combination of features, advantages, and disadvantages. The manufacturers of the software provide varying levels of detail in online product descriptions, making it difficult to compare the programs. To assist those interested in the acquisition of such software, this article presents the key features of available programs and addresses the factors that must be considered when selecting a product. Background Pisu and colleagues1 captured the irony that surrounds PAPs with the title of their 2009 article: “Pharmaceuticals Companies’ Medication Assistance Programs: Potentially Useful but Too Burdensome to Use?” PAPs (also referred to as “pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs” and “medication assistance programs”) improve access to many branded medications that uninsured patients might otherwise not receive1–5 and lower pharmacies’ drug acquisition costs.6–10 In a study at a renal transplant clinic in 1998, enrolling patients into PAPs was found to have a benefit:cost ratio of at least 4 to 1.6 Another study documented savings exceeding $1.45 million for a public teaching hospital in California during the period July 1999–June 2000.7 However, the complexity of the PAP application process has impeded the use of these programs.1–3,5 When asked about the barriers to use of PAPs, the majority of primary care physicians who responded to a 2003 survey by Pisu et al.1 and indicated the use of PAPs at least occasionally selected the predefined response option “It is too time-consuming for staff to attempt to enroll patients.” A cross-sectional study conducted in 2002 by Duke et al.2 had similar findings; the majority (67%) of surveyed clinics that were not using PAPs at that time cited complicated and labor-intensive application procedures as a reason. Furthermore, 74% of the respondents reported that concerns about personnel time spent away from the delivery of patient care was a factor that influenced their level of PAP use. The PAP application process is challenging due to the large amount of paperwork involved and the wide variation in the applications and requirements of programs offered by different pharmaceutical manufacturers.1–5,11,12 PAPs may require a variety of financial documents (e.g., income tax returns, W-2 forms, Social Security benefit letters) and have different follow-up schedules.3–5,11,12 Some programs require a new application for each refill. Those programs that allow patients to receive medications for a year require patients to make refill requests two to four weeks before the supply is exhausted to make sure the patients receive medications in a timely manner.3 The complexity of navigating PAPs is compounded if a patient needs multiple medications, as is often the case. In a study that looked at data on 15,925 patients receiving medications through MEDBANK of Maryland, Inc., the average patient applied to nearly 5 different programs; one patient had applied to 23 programs.3 Patients, especially those taking multiple medications, may easily forget to submit refill requests to multiple PAPs, each potentially having a different refill timeline. Accordingly, patients may need an advocate to help them stay organized and meet deadlines for refill requests and program reapplication to ensure continuity of therapy. For other reasons, too, it is often more practical for health care professionals to complete and track PAP paperwork. Patients have the option of downloading or requesting PAP applications, but those who lack Internet access may be unaware of such programs or unable to access applications available online.3–5,11–13 Because the physician’s signature, Drug Enforcement Administration number, and state license number are often required, the patient cannot download and submit a PAP application right away even with Internet access and computer skills.3–5,11,12 Instead, the patient must return to the physician’s office to get the application signed.3,4,11,12 Poor literacy may also serve as a barrier. Choudhry et al.5 reviewed 114 PAP applications and found that the language used in the forms was typically at a 10th- or 11th-grade reading level. If the role of PAP management falls on the shoulders of health care professionals, facilities may lack the resources needed to assist all eligible patients with the PAP application process, especially if each application and refill request are filled out by hand.14 To determine the cost, in time and money, of obtaining drugs for patients through PAPs, Clay et al.12 conducted time-and-motion studies at a clinic in the Midwest in 2006. They determined that the mean ± S.D. cost of each application submitted by mail was $28.03 ± $17.24; the mean ± S.D. personnel-time demand was 49.3 ± 32.3 minutes. According to their analysis, faxing an application cost an average ± S.D. of $10.13 ± $4.55 and required 24.2 ± 11.5 minutes of staff time. The single application that was submitted electronically cost $8.47 and took 28.3 minutes to complete. The costs recorded included the costs of labor, supplies, and submission. Because the applications were completed by a medical assistant, who had the lowest income among the professionals on staff, the investigators’ cost estimates likely underestimated the actual costs of PAP application management involving other personnel; the average times reported are also probably lower than actual time requirements because the time-and-motion studies were not conducted during normal business hours and the medical assistant filling out the paperwork was experienced with the process.12 The medical assistant in the study by Clay et al.12 did not employ any software to streamline the process of completing PAP forms, but doing so would have greatly reduced the time required. PAP software is a valuable resource that can ease the burden of PAP application management, thereby allowing health care professionals to devote more time to patient care and enroll more eligible patients into PAPs. When selecting a program for an organization, the first step requires an understanding of the organization’s particular needs and situation. Among the key questions to be asked are the following: What resources are already in place, and what resources are lacking? What features are essential and desired? Who will use the software? Is the software a Web- or Windows-based program? How much money can be devoted to the investment? Toledo-Lucas County CareNet created a table in 2006 of the important properties of PAP software programs, but it described only five software programs and is now outdated.15 Methods Research on specific PAP software programs began in July 2010. The search term patient assistance programs software was used to identify existing software programs online. In addition, a request for names of additional PAP software not otherwise identified and feedback about programs in use was sent out to the PSPCTEAMS listserv administered by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. However, very few responses were received. Each program identified via Internet search results and e-mail responses was searched individually to gather all online product information. After the Internet was exhausted for product details, software manufacturers were contacted by e-mail and phone to confirm the data and obtain missing details in all but two cases.a Correspondence with the manufacturers took place from late July to early September 2010. The manufacturers’ claims were assumed to be accurate and not verified further, and the products were not tested. Ultimately, the list of software programs included for comparison was limited to standalone products available for health care facilities seeking to improve the efficiency of employees who complete and track PAP applications. Programs that exclusively outsource the role of PAP management or focus on improving drug recovery were excluded. PAP. Simplified. (SUNRx, Bensalem, PA) was also excluded because this software module is available only to organizations using SUNRx’s 340B. Simplified. program.16,17 Results and discussion Fifteen PAP software programs were evaluated (Table 1 and appendix). They streamline the PAP application process by generally offering the following features: Table 1 Features of Patient Assistance Program Softwarea Feature Softwareb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Can integrate with other software N N Y Y Y Y Y NA Y Y NA Opt N NA Y Can transfer patient and physician data from existing databases Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N Opt Opt NA Y Automatically determines eligibility N Y N Y N N N N Y Y NA N N NA N Allows batch reordering NA Y N Y Y Y Y Opt Y Y NA N N NA Y Compatible with bar-code scanning N N Yc Dev Y Y Y Y Y Dev NA N N NA Y Assists with drug recovery Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N NA N Y NA Y Tracks drug samples Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N Y N N NA Opt Prints drug labels N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA Y N NA Y Uses scale to rate complexity of application processes Y Y Y Y NA NA Y Y N N NA N N NA Y Stores scanned documents Y N N Y Y Y Opt Dev Opt Dev NA N N NA Opt No. standard reports 12 NA 21 15 NA >75 104 >70 >80 37 14 >70 >100 NA 97 Feature Softwareb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Can integrate with other software N N Y Y Y Y Y NA Y Y NA Opt N NA Y Can transfer patient and physician data from existing databases Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N Opt Opt NA Y Automatically determines eligibility N Y N Y N N N N Y Y NA N N NA N Allows batch reordering NA Y N Y Y Y Y Opt Y Y NA N N NA Y Compatible with bar-code scanning N N Yc Dev Y Y Y Y Y Dev NA N N NA Y Assists with drug recovery Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N NA N Y NA Y Tracks drug samples Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N Y N N NA Opt Prints drug labels N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA Y N NA Y Uses scale to rate complexity of application processes Y Y Y Y NA NA Y Y N N NA N N NA Y Stores scanned documents Y N N Y Y Y Opt Dev Opt Dev NA N N NA Opt No. standard reports 12 NA 21 15 NA >75 104 >70 >80 37 14 >70 >100 NA 97 a N = feature not offered, Y = feature offered, Dev = feature under development, Opt = feature available with an optional module, service, or program, NA = information about feature not available. b 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See appendix for companies and contact information. c Compatibility depends on the bar-code scanning software used. Open in new tab Table 1 Features of Patient Assistance Program Softwarea Feature Softwareb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Can integrate with other software N N Y Y Y Y Y NA Y Y NA Opt N NA Y Can transfer patient and physician data from existing databases Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N Opt Opt NA Y Automatically determines eligibility N Y N Y N N N N Y Y NA N N NA N Allows batch reordering NA Y N Y Y Y Y Opt Y Y NA N N NA Y Compatible with bar-code scanning N N Yc Dev Y Y Y Y Y Dev NA N N NA Y Assists with drug recovery Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N NA N Y NA Y Tracks drug samples Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N Y N N NA Opt Prints drug labels N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA Y N NA Y Uses scale to rate complexity of application processes Y Y Y Y NA NA Y Y N N NA N N NA Y Stores scanned documents Y N N Y Y Y Opt Dev Opt Dev NA N N NA Opt No. standard reports 12 NA 21 15 NA >75 104 >70 >80 37 14 >70 >100 NA 97 Feature Softwareb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Can integrate with other software N N Y Y Y Y Y NA Y Y NA Opt N NA Y Can transfer patient and physician data from existing databases Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N Opt Opt NA Y Automatically determines eligibility N Y N Y N N N N Y Y NA N N NA N Allows batch reordering NA Y N Y Y Y Y Opt Y Y NA N N NA Y Compatible with bar-code scanning N N Yc Dev Y Y Y Y Y Dev NA N N NA Y Assists with drug recovery Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N NA N Y NA Y Tracks drug samples Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Opt N N Y N N NA Opt Prints drug labels N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA Y N NA Y Uses scale to rate complexity of application processes Y Y Y Y NA NA Y Y N N NA N N NA Y Stores scanned documents Y N N Y Y Y Opt Dev Opt Dev NA N N NA Opt No. standard reports 12 NA 21 15 NA >75 104 >70 >80 37 14 >70 >100 NA 97 a N = feature not offered, Y = feature offered, Dev = feature under development, Opt = feature available with an optional module, service, or program, NA = information about feature not available. b 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See appendix for companies and contact information. c Compatibility depends on the bar-code scanning software used. Open in new tab Databases for storage of patient and physician profiles,b Automatic completion of PAP forms with stored information,b Printing of mailing labels needed for submission of PAP applications,b–d Printing of prescriptions that must accompany PAP applications,b,e Tracking of application status, and Reminders to submit refill requests and to reapply to PAPs when appropriate.f Another feature of some software is the ability to store scanned copies of various financial documents that some PAP applications require (Table 1). The makers of PAP software programs update their PAP databases at least weekly, with most providing daily updates (Table 2), so users can be confident that they are accessing the most current forms and eligibility requirements. Because the number of PAPs and program requirements change frequently and suddenly, access to updated lists is very advantageous.2,3 Further, the software programs have a number of different reporting functions, including Table 2 Basic Logistic Information on Software Programsa Programb Program Base No. Users Given Access No. Simultaneous Users Allowed No. U.S. Facilities Using It Type of User Frequency of Updates 1 Windows Depends on no. licenses purchased Unlimited 120 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily to semiweekly 2 Web Unlimited Unlimited >200 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Continuous 3 Web 5 at community health centers, 2 at hospitalsc Unlimited 173 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 4 Web Unlimited Unlimited >500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 5 Web 2c >1 12 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Daily 6 Windows 2c >1 250 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 7 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 8 Web Unlimited Unlimited >50 Small to midsized facilities Daily 9 Windows Unlimited Unlimited About 800 No restrictions but not for patients at home Almost daily 10 Windows Unlimited Unlimited 166 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 11 Web Depends on no. user IDs purchased NA NA No restrictions but not for patients at home Continuous 12 Web Unlimited ≤3 unless user has a special license About 500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 13 Web Unlimited Unlimited 15 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Weekly, as needed 14 Web NA NA NA No restrictions; can be used by patients at home NA 15 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily Programb Program Base No. Users Given Access No. Simultaneous Users Allowed No. U.S. Facilities Using It Type of User Frequency of Updates 1 Windows Depends on no. licenses purchased Unlimited 120 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily to semiweekly 2 Web Unlimited Unlimited >200 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Continuous 3 Web 5 at community health centers, 2 at hospitalsc Unlimited 173 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 4 Web Unlimited Unlimited >500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 5 Web 2c >1 12 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Daily 6 Windows 2c >1 250 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 7 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 8 Web Unlimited Unlimited >50 Small to midsized facilities Daily 9 Windows Unlimited Unlimited About 800 No restrictions but not for patients at home Almost daily 10 Windows Unlimited Unlimited 166 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 11 Web Depends on no. user IDs purchased NA NA No restrictions but not for patients at home Continuous 12 Web Unlimited ≤3 unless user has a special license About 500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 13 Web Unlimited Unlimited 15 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Weekly, as needed 14 Web NA NA NA No restrictions; can be used by patients at home NA 15 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily a NA = information about property not available. b 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See appendix for companies and contact information. c Can be increased at an additional cost. Open in new tab Table 2 Basic Logistic Information on Software Programsa Programb Program Base No. Users Given Access No. Simultaneous Users Allowed No. U.S. Facilities Using It Type of User Frequency of Updates 1 Windows Depends on no. licenses purchased Unlimited 120 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily to semiweekly 2 Web Unlimited Unlimited >200 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Continuous 3 Web 5 at community health centers, 2 at hospitalsc Unlimited 173 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 4 Web Unlimited Unlimited >500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 5 Web 2c >1 12 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Daily 6 Windows 2c >1 250 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 7 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 8 Web Unlimited Unlimited >50 Small to midsized facilities Daily 9 Windows Unlimited Unlimited About 800 No restrictions but not for patients at home Almost daily 10 Windows Unlimited Unlimited 166 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 11 Web Depends on no. user IDs purchased NA NA No restrictions but not for patients at home Continuous 12 Web Unlimited ≤3 unless user has a special license About 500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 13 Web Unlimited Unlimited 15 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Weekly, as needed 14 Web NA NA NA No restrictions; can be used by patients at home NA 15 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily Programb Program Base No. Users Given Access No. Simultaneous Users Allowed No. U.S. Facilities Using It Type of User Frequency of Updates 1 Windows Depends on no. licenses purchased Unlimited 120 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily to semiweekly 2 Web Unlimited Unlimited >200 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Continuous 3 Web 5 at community health centers, 2 at hospitalsc Unlimited 173 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 4 Web Unlimited Unlimited >500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 5 Web 2c >1 12 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Daily 6 Windows 2c >1 250 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 7 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 8 Web Unlimited Unlimited >50 Small to midsized facilities Daily 9 Windows Unlimited Unlimited About 800 No restrictions but not for patients at home Almost daily 10 Windows Unlimited Unlimited 166 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 11 Web Depends on no. user IDs purchased NA NA No restrictions but not for patients at home Continuous 12 Web Unlimited ≤3 unless user has a special license About 500 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily 13 Web Unlimited Unlimited 15 No restrictions; can be used by patients at home Weekly, as needed 14 Web NA NA NA No restrictions; can be used by patients at home NA 15 Web Negotiated Negotiated 750 No restrictions but not for patients at home Daily a NA = information about property not available. b 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See appendix for companies and contact information. c Can be increased at an additional cost. Open in new tab Generation of reports by patient,b Generation of reports by location (useful if an organization has multiple sites),b,g Generation of demographic reports,b–d Calculation of the value of medications obtained or dispensed (often using average wholesale prices),b,g and Generation of customized reports.b,c,h By facilitating the generation of these and other performance reports, the software can provide concrete information that can be presented at board meetings and in grant proposals. With most, if not all, software programs, data can be transferred to Microsoft Excel, thereby expanding users’ reporting options.b,c While some software licenses accommodate an unlimited number of users, others restrict the number of users granted access for a given price (Table 2). With some programs, the number of users who can operate the software at any one time is restricted; such limits may or may not be of concern, depending on the number of people in charge of PAP application management. If the intended users have limited computer skills, the user-friendliness of the program and the support and training provided by the manufacturer should be investigated (Table 3). With most programs, it is possible to restrict the functions that different users are permitted to perform.b,c Most programs also make it possible to grant multiple sites access to one central patient and physician databaseb,c; it is still possible to generate reports for one particular location, allowing site- or department-specific reporting of patient claims and cost savings when desired.b,g Table 3 Available Support and Training for Software Programs Programa Free Demonstration or Trial Offered Type of Support Type of Training Training Expenses 1 None Telephone Web meeting or in person Hourly fee and travel expenses for onsite trainers 2 About 1-hr demonstration, trial Telephone Web meeting or in person Onsite training 3 Demonstration Telephone, onsite Web or in person $75/hr 4 90-day trial Telephone Personal telephone call; manual available on the Web None 5 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 6 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 7 30-day trial Designated project manager In person initially, then on the Web Varies 8 30-day trial Telephone, online, onsite Telephone, in person, Web at GoToMeeting.com Long-distance telephone call; travel expenses for onsite trainers 9 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, fax Slide show on CD, personal telephone calls None 10 8-min demonstration Telephone, online (remote desktop) Manual, Web, in person Travel expenses for onsite trainers if facility is outside of Virginia 11 About 10-min recorded demonstration plus personal online demonstration E-mail, online conferences Web conference, possibly in person if facility is in New England Information not available 12 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, Yahoo user group Personal telephone call with all users, printable manual None 13 About 1-hr demonstration Telephone, e-mail WebEx $2000 (includes setup) 14 None Telephone, e-mail Information not available Information not available 15 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, online Web $250 (includes setup) Programa Free Demonstration or Trial Offered Type of Support Type of Training Training Expenses 1 None Telephone Web meeting or in person Hourly fee and travel expenses for onsite trainers 2 About 1-hr demonstration, trial Telephone Web meeting or in person Onsite training 3 Demonstration Telephone, onsite Web or in person $75/hr 4 90-day trial Telephone Personal telephone call; manual available on the Web None 5 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 6 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 7 30-day trial Designated project manager In person initially, then on the Web Varies 8 30-day trial Telephone, online, onsite Telephone, in person, Web at GoToMeeting.com Long-distance telephone call; travel expenses for onsite trainers 9 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, fax Slide show on CD, personal telephone calls None 10 8-min demonstration Telephone, online (remote desktop) Manual, Web, in person Travel expenses for onsite trainers if facility is outside of Virginia 11 About 10-min recorded demonstration plus personal online demonstration E-mail, online conferences Web conference, possibly in person if facility is in New England Information not available 12 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, Yahoo user group Personal telephone call with all users, printable manual None 13 About 1-hr demonstration Telephone, e-mail WebEx $2000 (includes setup) 14 None Telephone, e-mail Information not available Information not available 15 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, online Web $250 (includes setup) a 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (Version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (Version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See Appendix A for companies and contact information. Open in new tab Table 3 Available Support and Training for Software Programs Programa Free Demonstration or Trial Offered Type of Support Type of Training Training Expenses 1 None Telephone Web meeting or in person Hourly fee and travel expenses for onsite trainers 2 About 1-hr demonstration, trial Telephone Web meeting or in person Onsite training 3 Demonstration Telephone, onsite Web or in person $75/hr 4 90-day trial Telephone Personal telephone call; manual available on the Web None 5 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 6 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 7 30-day trial Designated project manager In person initially, then on the Web Varies 8 30-day trial Telephone, online, onsite Telephone, in person, Web at GoToMeeting.com Long-distance telephone call; travel expenses for onsite trainers 9 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, fax Slide show on CD, personal telephone calls None 10 8-min demonstration Telephone, online (remote desktop) Manual, Web, in person Travel expenses for onsite trainers if facility is outside of Virginia 11 About 10-min recorded demonstration plus personal online demonstration E-mail, online conferences Web conference, possibly in person if facility is in New England Information not available 12 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, Yahoo user group Personal telephone call with all users, printable manual None 13 About 1-hr demonstration Telephone, e-mail WebEx $2000 (includes setup) 14 None Telephone, e-mail Information not available Information not available 15 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, online Web $250 (includes setup) Programa Free Demonstration or Trial Offered Type of Support Type of Training Training Expenses 1 None Telephone Web meeting or in person Hourly fee and travel expenses for onsite trainers 2 About 1-hr demonstration, trial Telephone Web meeting or in person Onsite training 3 Demonstration Telephone, onsite Web or in person $75/hr 4 90-day trial Telephone Personal telephone call; manual available on the Web None 5 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 6 Demonstration (no time limit) Telephone Web conference None 7 30-day trial Designated project manager In person initially, then on the Web Varies 8 30-day trial Telephone, online, onsite Telephone, in person, Web at GoToMeeting.com Long-distance telephone call; travel expenses for onsite trainers 9 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, fax Slide show on CD, personal telephone calls None 10 8-min demonstration Telephone, online (remote desktop) Manual, Web, in person Travel expenses for onsite trainers if facility is outside of Virginia 11 About 10-min recorded demonstration plus personal online demonstration E-mail, online conferences Web conference, possibly in person if facility is in New England Information not available 12 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, Yahoo user group Personal telephone call with all users, printable manual None 13 About 1-hr demonstration Telephone, e-mail WebEx $2000 (includes setup) 14 None Telephone, e-mail Information not available Information not available 15 30-day trial Telephone, e-mail, online Web $250 (includes setup) a 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (Version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (Version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See Appendix A for companies and contact information. Open in new tab The software can be divided into two broad categories (Web-based and Windows-based programs) with the former offering a number of advantages. There is no need to install the Web-based programs on the facility’s computers; thus, meeting specific hardware requirements and accessing the software from different locations are not usually of concern with these programs. Web-based software is accessible any time from any computer connected to the Internet. In addition, updates are received automatically; no additional steps must be performed. And though an Internet connection is required to use Web-based software, organizations that purchase Windows-based software also must have Internet access to receive necessary updates. The prices of PAP software programs vary widely. Opening an RxHope account is free, but PAPTracker can cost up to $550/ month; as the price of PAPTracker depends on the number of patients enrolled in PAPs, it may not be the best option for a facility that serves a large population of indigent patients. It is important to look beyond the base prices and consider the services that are included for that price and additional costs that may be involved (Table 4). Table 4 Software Program Costsa Programb Base Price Services Included Additional Costs 1 Information not available Software for 1 user at 1 workstation Additional user logons and workstations 2 $4400/yr Access to software, upload of patient and physician profiles, support, upgrades None 3 Lease by community health centers: $300/mo; lease by hospitals: $500/mo; outsource option: price varies Software for 5 users at a community health center or 2 users at a hospital, updates, telephone support Additional users: $100/mo 4 Hospitals with >50 beds: $350/mo; hospitals with <50 beds and other facilities: $275/mo Access to online software, live customer support, setup, upgrades, updates Software for an additional facility sharing a database with a primary account: $150/mo 5 $175/mo Software license for 2 users Additional users: $35/mo/user; one-time setup fee: $250; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 6 $175/mo Software license for 2 users, Microsoft SQL Server Express edition (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) Additional users: $35/mo/user; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 7 Varies Varies None 8 Depends on no. patients enrolledc Software subscription, updates None 9 $200 Software, ability to process 200 prescriptions, initial setup, updates, support Additional prescriptions: $1/ prescription; 8.5% sales tax (in Texas only); optional scanning module: $1000 10 Facilities in Virginia: $750; facilities in other states: $1995 Software for 1 license in Virginia or 3 licenses in other states, manual, unlimited telephone support for 1 yr, 1 yr of updates and upgrades, quarterly newsletter, ability to participate in roundtables and patient advocate forums Annual maintenance fee: $500 in Virginia, $950 in other states; additional licenses; transfer of physician and patient profiles from existing databasesd 11 Information not available Full access to online software, updates One-time setup fee, additional user IDs 12 Nonprofit organization: $900; for-profit organization: $1350 1-yr license, phone training, upgrades, membership in the RxAssist Plus Yahoo group, unlimited access to help desk 1-yr subscription to PAP Auto Pricing Module: $250; an additional charge for the “Bridge” in certain casese 13 $1000 Administrator’s ID and password, site construction None 14 Free Online account None 15 $250/mo Software, updates, support None Programb Base Price Services Included Additional Costs 1 Information not available Software for 1 user at 1 workstation Additional user logons and workstations 2 $4400/yr Access to software, upload of patient and physician profiles, support, upgrades None 3 Lease by community health centers: $300/mo; lease by hospitals: $500/mo; outsource option: price varies Software for 5 users at a community health center or 2 users at a hospital, updates, telephone support Additional users: $100/mo 4 Hospitals with >50 beds: $350/mo; hospitals with <50 beds and other facilities: $275/mo Access to online software, live customer support, setup, upgrades, updates Software for an additional facility sharing a database with a primary account: $150/mo 5 $175/mo Software license for 2 users Additional users: $35/mo/user; one-time setup fee: $250; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 6 $175/mo Software license for 2 users, Microsoft SQL Server Express edition (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) Additional users: $35/mo/user; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 7 Varies Varies None 8 Depends on no. patients enrolledc Software subscription, updates None 9 $200 Software, ability to process 200 prescriptions, initial setup, updates, support Additional prescriptions: $1/ prescription; 8.5% sales tax (in Texas only); optional scanning module: $1000 10 Facilities in Virginia: $750; facilities in other states: $1995 Software for 1 license in Virginia or 3 licenses in other states, manual, unlimited telephone support for 1 yr, 1 yr of updates and upgrades, quarterly newsletter, ability to participate in roundtables and patient advocate forums Annual maintenance fee: $500 in Virginia, $950 in other states; additional licenses; transfer of physician and patient profiles from existing databasesd 11 Information not available Full access to online software, updates One-time setup fee, additional user IDs 12 Nonprofit organization: $900; for-profit organization: $1350 1-yr license, phone training, upgrades, membership in the RxAssist Plus Yahoo group, unlimited access to help desk 1-yr subscription to PAP Auto Pricing Module: $250; an additional charge for the “Bridge” in certain casese 13 $1000 Administrator’s ID and password, site construction None 14 Free Online account None 15 $250/mo Software, updates, support None a All programs require costs associated with Internet service. Training services and expenses listed in Table 3 are not repeated here. b 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See appendix for companies and contact information. c For the first 150 patients: $2/month/patient; for the 151st–300th patients: no additional charge; for the 301st–425th patients: $1/month/patient; for the 426th–1000th patients: no additional charge; for the 1001st–1500th patients: $0.25/month/patient; maximum price: $550/month; minimum price (for facilities with 12 patients or less enrolled in PAPs): $25/month. d Annual maintenance fee includes weekly software and manual updates and upgrades, one hour of telephone support, training, and the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions. e The PAP Auto Pricing Module is needed to produce the Medication Value Report. The “Bridge” is needed to integrate RxAssist Plus with some electronic medical records systems and practice management systems, and it can be used to transfer patient and physician information from existing databases. Open in new tab Table 4 Software Program Costsa Programb Base Price Services Included Additional Costs 1 Information not available Software for 1 user at 1 workstation Additional user logons and workstations 2 $4400/yr Access to software, upload of patient and physician profiles, support, upgrades None 3 Lease by community health centers: $300/mo; lease by hospitals: $500/mo; outsource option: price varies Software for 5 users at a community health center or 2 users at a hospital, updates, telephone support Additional users: $100/mo 4 Hospitals with >50 beds: $350/mo; hospitals with <50 beds and other facilities: $275/mo Access to online software, live customer support, setup, upgrades, updates Software for an additional facility sharing a database with a primary account: $150/mo 5 $175/mo Software license for 2 users Additional users: $35/mo/user; one-time setup fee: $250; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 6 $175/mo Software license for 2 users, Microsoft SQL Server Express edition (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) Additional users: $35/mo/user; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 7 Varies Varies None 8 Depends on no. patients enrolledc Software subscription, updates None 9 $200 Software, ability to process 200 prescriptions, initial setup, updates, support Additional prescriptions: $1/ prescription; 8.5% sales tax (in Texas only); optional scanning module: $1000 10 Facilities in Virginia: $750; facilities in other states: $1995 Software for 1 license in Virginia or 3 licenses in other states, manual, unlimited telephone support for 1 yr, 1 yr of updates and upgrades, quarterly newsletter, ability to participate in roundtables and patient advocate forums Annual maintenance fee: $500 in Virginia, $950 in other states; additional licenses; transfer of physician and patient profiles from existing databasesd 11 Information not available Full access to online software, updates One-time setup fee, additional user IDs 12 Nonprofit organization: $900; for-profit organization: $1350 1-yr license, phone training, upgrades, membership in the RxAssist Plus Yahoo group, unlimited access to help desk 1-yr subscription to PAP Auto Pricing Module: $250; an additional charge for the “Bridge” in certain casese 13 $1000 Administrator’s ID and password, site construction None 14 Free Online account None 15 $250/mo Software, updates, support None Programb Base Price Services Included Additional Costs 1 Information not available Software for 1 user at 1 workstation Additional user logons and workstations 2 $4400/yr Access to software, upload of patient and physician profiles, support, upgrades None 3 Lease by community health centers: $300/mo; lease by hospitals: $500/mo; outsource option: price varies Software for 5 users at a community health center or 2 users at a hospital, updates, telephone support Additional users: $100/mo 4 Hospitals with >50 beds: $350/mo; hospitals with <50 beds and other facilities: $275/mo Access to online software, live customer support, setup, upgrades, updates Software for an additional facility sharing a database with a primary account: $150/mo 5 $175/mo Software license for 2 users Additional users: $35/mo/user; one-time setup fee: $250; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 6 $175/mo Software license for 2 users, Microsoft SQL Server Express edition (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) Additional users: $35/mo/user; 5 GB of storage on central server: $35/mo 7 Varies Varies None 8 Depends on no. patients enrolledc Software subscription, updates None 9 $200 Software, ability to process 200 prescriptions, initial setup, updates, support Additional prescriptions: $1/ prescription; 8.5% sales tax (in Texas only); optional scanning module: $1000 10 Facilities in Virginia: $750; facilities in other states: $1995 Software for 1 license in Virginia or 3 licenses in other states, manual, unlimited telephone support for 1 yr, 1 yr of updates and upgrades, quarterly newsletter, ability to participate in roundtables and patient advocate forums Annual maintenance fee: $500 in Virginia, $950 in other states; additional licenses; transfer of physician and patient profiles from existing databasesd 11 Information not available Full access to online software, updates One-time setup fee, additional user IDs 12 Nonprofit organization: $900; for-profit organization: $1350 1-yr license, phone training, upgrades, membership in the RxAssist Plus Yahoo group, unlimited access to help desk 1-yr subscription to PAP Auto Pricing Module: $250; an additional charge for the “Bridge” in certain casese 13 $1000 Administrator’s ID and password, site construction None 14 Free Online account None 15 $250/mo Software, updates, support None a All programs require costs associated with Internet service. Training services and expenses listed in Table 3 are not repeated here. b 1 = eRecovery Online, 2 = IndiCare (version 4), 3 = M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, 4 = MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, 5 = MedServices WebPAP, 6 = MedServices WinPAP (version 5), 7 = Multi-Site Program, 8 = PAPTracker, 9 = Patient Assistance Programs Rx, 10 = The Pharmacy Connection, 11 = Prescription Drug Assistant, 12 = RxAssist Plus, 13 = RxBridge, 14 = RxHope, 15 = Web Basic. See appendix for companies and contact information. c For the first 150 patients: $2/month/patient; for the 151st–300th patients: no additional charge; for the 301st–425th patients: $1/month/patient; for the 426th–1000th patients: no additional charge; for the 1001st–1500th patients: $0.25/month/patient; maximum price: $550/month; minimum price (for facilities with 12 patients or less enrolled in PAPs): $25/month. d Annual maintenance fee includes weekly software and manual updates and upgrades, one hour of telephone support, training, and the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions. e The PAP Auto Pricing Module is needed to produce the Medication Value Report. The “Bridge” is needed to integrate RxAssist Plus with some electronic medical records systems and practice management systems, and it can be used to transfer patient and physician information from existing databases. Open in new tab Patient advocates interested in acquiring PAP software should inquire about potential discounts. Clinics enrolled in the 340B Prime Vendor Program can take advantage of discounts on MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program, M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online, and Multi-Site Program.18 Volume discounts are available for MedServices WebPAP and MedServices WinPAP (version 5), and there may be discounts on multiple licenses for The Pharmacy Connection. In addition, discounts are offered on IndiCare (version 4) to facilities that have multiple locations and those that are nonprofit. Advocates can also apply for a grant from the charitable organization Rx Outreach (St. Louis, MO) and the provider of PAPTracker that reduces the price of that program for the first year. The grant covers the entire cost of the software for the first six months, 70% of its cost for the next three months, and 30% of its cost for the following three months. Of course, it is neither feasible nor practical to delineate every feature of each software program. Parties interested in quotes and additional information about particular programs should contact their manufacturers. The appendix presents contact information for each company. Conclusion There are at least 15 software programs for streamlining and enhancing the process of PAP application management. No single program can meet the needs of every organization; selecting the right product demands a close look at the needs of an organization and the features and logistics of each program. Footnotes a Longmeadow Solutions and RxHope could not be reached to verify the information about their products. b Whether this feature is offered by RxHope could not be determined. c Whether this feature is offered by Prescription Drug Assistant could not be determined. d eRecovery Online does not offer this feature. e RxBridge does not offer this feature. f M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online does not offer this feature. g An additional module or program must be purchased in order for this feature to be available with RxAssist Plus. h Patient Assistance Programs Rx does not offer this feature. The authors have declared no potential conflicts of interest. References 1 Pisu M Richman J Allison JJ et al. . Pharmaceuticals companies’ medication assistance programs: potentially useful but too burdensome to use? South Med J . 2009 ; 102 : 139 – 44 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 2 Duke KS Raube K Lipton HL . Patient-assistance programs: assessment of and use by safety-net clinics . Am J Health-Syst Pharm . 2005 ; 62 : 726 – 31 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 3 Chauncey D Mullins CD Tran BV et al. . Medication access through patient assistance programs . Am J Health-Syst Pharm . 2006 ; 63 : 1254 – 9 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 4 Chisholm MA DiPiro JT . Pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs . Arch Intern Med . 2002 ; 162 : 780 – 4 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 5 Choudhry NK Lee JL Agnew-Blais J et al. . Drug company-sponsored patient assistance programs: a viable safety net? Health Aff (Millwood) . 2009 ; 28 : 827 – 34 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 6 Chisholm MA Vollenweider LJ Mulloy LL et al. . Cost-benefit analysis of a clinical pharmacist-managed medication assistance program in a renal transplant clinic . Clin Transplant . 2000 ; 14 : 304 – 7 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 7 Viale PH Mister S . Utilization of medication-assistance programs for medically uninsured patients: one public teaching hospital’s experience . Clin J On-col Nurs . 2001 ; 5 : 247 – 52 . WorldCat 8 Coleman CI Reddy P Quercia RA et al. . Cost-benefit analysis of a pharmacy-managed medication assistance program for hospitalized indigent patients . Am J Health-Syst Pharm . 2003 ; 60 : 378 – 82 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 9 Hotchkiss BD Pearson C Lisitano R . Pharmacy coordination of an indigent care program in a psychiatric facility . Am J Health-Syst Pharm . 1998 ; 55 : 1293 – 6 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 10 Decane BE Chapman J . Program for procurement of drugs for indigent patients . Am J Hosp Pharm . 1994 ; 51 : 669 – 71 . Google Scholar PubMed WorldCat 11 Chisholm MA Reinhardt BO Vollenweider LJ et al. . Medication assistance programs for uninsured and indigent patients . Am J Health-Syst Pharm . 2000 ; 57 : 1131 – 6 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 12 Clay P Vaught E Glaros A et al. . Costs to physician offices of providing medications to medically indigent patients via pharmaceutical manufacturer prescription assistance programs . J Manag Care Pharm . 2007 ; 13 : 506 – 14 . Google Scholar PubMed WorldCat 13 Torres MC Herman D Montano S et al. . Pharmacy assistance programs in a community health center setting . J Natl Med Assoc . 2002 ; 94 : 1077 – 86 . Google Scholar PubMed WorldCat 14 Richardson K Basskin LE . Use of drug manufacturers’ patient assistance programs by safety net providers . Am J Health-Syst Pharm . 2002 ; 59 : 1105 – 9 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 15 Toledo–Lucas County CareNet . Comparison chart for prescription assistance software . www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/ComparisonChartforSoftware-.doc (accessed 2011 Mar 16). 16 SUNRx.PAP.Simplified . www.sunrx.com/Solutions/pap_simp.aspx (accessed 2011 Apr 8). 17 SUNRx . Our story . www.sunrx.com/AboutUs.aspx (accessed 2011 Apr 8). 18 Apexus . 340B Prime Vendor Program . Service agreements . www.340bpvp.com/public/agreements/services (accessed 2011 Mar 16). Appendix—Patient assistance program software eRecovery Online CardinalHealth, Dublin, OH (972) 624-7973 IndiCare, version 4 Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, Roanoke, TX (866) 909-2888 www.IndiCare.com www.Pharmhs.com/phs/ M&D C.A.R.E.S. Online Morris & Dickson, Co. LLC, Shreveport, LA (888) 376-7409 MDcaresSales@MorrisDickson.com www.morrisdickson.com www.mdcares.net/FE/Home.aspx MedData Services Prescription Assistance Program MedData Services, Grapevine, TX (888) 246-1085 info@meddataservices.com www.meddataservices.com MedServices WebPAP DataNet Solutions, Inc., Cleveland, TN (423) 479-6729 sales@datanetsolutions.org info@datanetsolutions.org www.patientassistance.org www.medserviceswebpap.com MedServices WinPAP, version 5 DataNet Solutions, Inc., Cleveland, TN (423) 479-6729 sales@datanetsolutions.org info@datanetsolutions.org www.patientassistance.org www.DataNetSolutions.org/pap.htm Multi-Site Program Drug Assistant, Amarillo, TX (800) 913-7879 salesinfo@drugassistant.com www.drugassistant.com PAPTracker NeedyMeds, Gloucester, MA (215) 965-8291 paptracker@needymeds.com www.needymeds.org/indices/paptracker.shtml Patient Assistance Programs Rx (PAPrx) Patient Assistance Programs Rx, Austin, TX (512) 306-1780 www.paprx.com The Pharmacy Connection Virginia Health Care Foundation, Richmond (804) 828-5804 tpc@vhcf.org www.vhcf.org/for-those-who-help/the-pharmacy-connection/ Prescription Drug Assistant Longmeadow Solutions, Springfield, MA (413) 642-0928 info@pdausa.org www.pdausa.org www.longmeadowsolutions.com RxAssist Plus Systemetrics, Inc., Cranston, RI (888) 593-1085 info@rxassistplus.com www.rxassistplus.com RxBridge MEDBANK of Maryland, Inc., Baltimore (877) 435-7755 www.medbankmd.org/Rxbridge.htm RxHope RxHope, Cincinnati, OH (877) 267-0517 CustomerService@RxHope.com www.rxhope.com/home.aspx Web Basic Drug Assistant, Amarillo, TX (800) 913-7879 salesinfo@drugassistant.com www.drugassistant.com Copyright © 2011, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.
TI - Comparison of patient assistance program software
JO - American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy
DO - 10.2146/ajhp100512
DA - 2011-07-15
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/oxford-university-press/comparison-of-patient-assistance-program-software-0qy4DBK3TO
SP - 1331
VL - 68
IS - 14
DP - DeepDyve
ER -