Expanding partnerships to accelerate continued specialty pharmacy growth and improve community care
Stoughton, Massachusetts and Des Moines, Iowa, July 30, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Shields Health Solutions (Shields), a leading U.S. specialty pharmacy accelerator, today announced an expanded partnership with UnityPoint at Home, a subsidiary of Iowa-based UnityPoint Health. Building on an existing partnership that began in 2017, the enhanced collaboration will focus on expanding specialty pharmacy programs to provide patients with complex chronic conditions access to specialty pharmacy services aimed at reducing costs, expanding treatment options, improving medication management and improving overall health.
The collaboration between UnityPoint at Home and Shields will expand support services to meet the unique needs of patients with complex chronic conditions. Shields has broad access to payer networks and complex medications, including recently approved and newly available medications, so patients can receive all of their services through UnityPoint at Home and have improved access to specialty care options. Shields currently works with approximately 80 health systems across the country, helping partners reduce out-of-pocket costs, receive medications faster and improve medication adherence.
“UnityPoint at Home has been a critically valued partner for many years, and we are pleased to expand our relationship with an organization dedicated to providing excellent care to complex patients,” said Stephen West, CEO of Shields Health Solutions. “By ensuring access to 90 percent of the limited distribution medications complex patients need and opening the door to restrictive payer networks, our accelerated partnership will continue to create access to affordable care while improving treatment management and care coordination for UnityPoint at Home patients.”
Headquartered near Des Moines, Iowa, UnityPoint at Home leverages its network of physicians, hospitals and clinics to coordinate the services, support and education individuals need to continue their care at home. The company’s specialty pharmacy program is accredited by both the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
“We are committed to providing excellent care to all of our patients, and our partnership with Shields strengthens our efforts to provide a consistent and positive patient experience, including for those who need the most specialized care,” said Jenn Ofelt, president of UnityPoint at Home. “We are excited to further our existing relationship with Shields and leverage their expertise in the health system specialty pharmacy industry.”
About Shield Health Solutions
Shields Health Solutions (Shields) is the leading specialty pharmacy accelerator in the United States. The Shields Performance Platform is an integrated set of solutions, services and technology designed to improve payer and drug access for specialty pharmacies, improve complex patient health outcomes and improve overall health system growth. A leader in the health system specialty pharmacy industry, Shields has a proven track record of success, including access to over 90% of the nation’s Limited Distribution Drugs (LDDs) and most (health insurance) payers, and a clinical model proven to reduce total health care costs by 13%. Partnering with over 80 health systems across the country through national collaborations, Shields has a vested interest in driving measurable clinical and financial results for health systems. For more information, follow us on social media: translation:LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube Shields Health Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance and employs more than 2,000 people nationwide.
About UnityPoint at Home
Dedicated to making people live better, UnityPoint at Home provides home health care services in communities across Iowa and western Illinois, as well as a growing specialty pharmacy that can provide medications to patients in Iowa, surrounding states, Arizona and Florida. Part of UnityPoint Health, one of the most integrated health systems in the nation, UnityPoint at Home works with physicians and hospitals to coordinate the services, support and education individuals need to continue their care at home. Services include adult and pediatric nursing, hospice, infusion therapy, rehabilitation therapy and home medical equipment. Learn more at unitypoint.org/homecare.
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contact address
Shield Health Solutions
Crystal Chackel, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
email address
(262) 309 -2488
For UnityPoint Health
Kevin Kirkpatrick, Senior Media Relations Specialist
kevin.kirkpatrick@unitypoint.org
(515) 418-7426
