Academy by CIGNA^® Seminar Offers Solutions to Rising Specialty Pharmacy Costs

With specialty pharmacy costs growing by approximately 20 percent per year and at nearly double the rate as general pharmaceutical sales*, a strategy to help contain these rising costs becomes an important priority for most clients.

CIGNA's strategy and program for helping manage escalating specialty pharmacy costs was discussed on September 27, 2006, at an Academy by CIGNA^® seminar.  Academy by CIGNA is a producer education program that offers ongoing learning and development forums and courses, as well as industry-leading information sources. Eric Estes, Vice President of Sales for CIGNA Pharmacy, and Tom Stambaugh, Chief Pharmacy Officer, presented CIGNA's integrated, consistent approach to managing drug spend, which is designed to help alleviate potential confusion and disruption, while ultimately contributing to better managed care at the lowest net cost.

The seminar presented the advantages of CIGNA's holistic specialty pharmacy structure features established relationships with physicians and other experienced, specialty trained professionals, drug manufacturers, retail and specialty pharmacies, as well as home healthcare providers. Such a structure offers seamless implementation of specialty drug management solutions, provides one point of contact with no fragmentation, and home delivery through one dedicated pharmacy.

For more information on how CIGNA's specialty pharmacy can help your clients and to obtain an audio transcript of the presentation, please contact your CIGNA account manager. The next Academy by CIGNA pharmacy presentation is scheduled for January 17, 2007. Contact your CIGNA account manager for more details.

*Based on CIGNA estimates.