PAIN MANAGEMENT + CASH COMPOUNDING PT. II

We all know that billing third parties for compounded medications is like trying to crack the Da Vinci Code sometimes, and the road doesn't end there. There is still the potential for an audit, or recoupment of funds after the medication has been dispensed. Insurance companies have implemented new “strategies”, installed new hurdles and processes to deter the physicians, pharmacists and patients from going this route. Third parties DO NOT want your compounded claims, they do not want to pay you, nor do they appreciate your services. So, why do we continue to live under this scrutiny? That is a topic for a later discussion. For now, let’s talk about the benefits of a cash program for pain management.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Topical pain creams are just too high dollar for a cash-paying patient.” You may be right in some cases. We have seen a lot of these ingredients elevate in price and AWP lately.  But AWP doesn’t apply to us, speaking from a cost-only perspective. So, do your shopping, negotiate to get great deals, mention that you have a cash program to your vendors because it’s all about the bottom line!

Forget about high dollar bases, >30% API loads and expensive dispensers. We have to keep things simple here. We can compound single ingredient creams or combinations of two, maybe three ingredients max and still obtain results that will aid our patients. While this may not alleviate all the symptoms, it can certainly assist the day-to-day therapies by offering a supplement for the breakthrough pain. Keep therapeutic doses to an acceptable range, not at their highest limit, rendering them effective and manageable. Lastly, buy your chemicals in volume and reduce the cost per gram.

Remember, this is not a new concept. We have been compounding pain management recipes for years before the recent surge of high dollar compounds came into the picture. This strategy can open doors to new opportunities in the marketplace. Pain will always be an ailment we deal with at several points in our lives and will remain one of the top reasons we seek a physician. Learn the benefits of compounded topical treatments as oppose to oral medications. Make a judgement based from facts and not from a party whose lobbyists tell you that it doesn't benefit your patients. Break the mold! That’s what makes you a compounder to begin with.

For more tips on pricing your cash compounds, read our guideline here. 

*Please note that we no longer carry bases at Total Pharmacy Supply, but we still offer a vast selection of supplies to support your pharmacy in all their compounding needs. 

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