Specialty drugs bring new hope to patients with complex conditions, but they also present unique challenges.

In this episode of Podnosis, Heath Clendening speaks with Peter Demogenes, Senior Vice President of Product at Optum, about how health plans are adapting to the rapidly changing specialty care sector.

Demogenes explains two common strategies health plans use.

First, individualized management typically sees issues managed on a case-by-case basis, focusing on medical benefits, and utilizing tools to manage costs independently.

Second, holistic management takes a broader view, recognizing the interconnectedness of patients, providers, payers, and stakeholders.

The conversation also highlights the role of innovation, featuring Optum’s Specialty Fusion program. Designed to simplify care for patients with complex conditions, this program not only lowers the cost of expensive specialty drugs but also streamlines treatment decision-making for health plans, helping patients start their therapies sooner.

For further insights into how these innovations are shaping the future of specialty care, listen to the full episode.

Specialty drugs bring new hope to patients with complex conditions, but they also present unique challenges.
In this episode of Podnosis, Heath Clendening speaks with Peter Demogenes, Senior Vice President of Product at Optum, about how health plans are adapting to the rapidly changing specialty care sector.
Demogenes explains two common strategies health plans use.
First, individualized management typically sees issues managed on a case-by-case basis, focusing on medical benefits, and utilizing tools to manage costs independently.
Second, holistic management takes a broader view, recognizing the interconnectedness of patients, providers, payers, and stakeholders.
The conversation also highlights the role of innovation, featuring Optum’s Specialty Fusion program. Designed to simplify care for patients with complex conditions, this program not only lowers the cost of expensive specialty drugs but also streamlines treatment decision-making for health plans, helping patients start their therapies sooner.
For further insights into how these innovations are shaping the future of specialty care, listen to the full episode.

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podnosis

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Optum’s Senior VP Peter Demogenes explores the differing approaches of managing specialty drugs and role of innovation in improving patient outcomes.

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