We are Biologic Coordinators of Dermatology (BCoD)

Image Credit: © Biologic Coordinators of Dermatology

Numerous articles may outline the annual financial costs of prior authorizations, but the real impact is experienced daily through the palpable burden on both staff and patients.¹ The economic costs of these denials are significant, with the staff toll often leading to burnout and high turnover rates.² For patients seeking assistance, delays in authorization mean waiting when they have turned to us in their time of need.

According to recent Biologic Coordinators of Dermatology (BCoD)internal surveys, prior authorizations issues have led to:

• 96% of biologic coordinators reporting delay in necessary care
• 70% of biologic coordinators reporting discontinuation in treatment
• 86% of biologic coordinators reporting abandonment

We also found that 70% of BCoD members feel significant burnout as a result of the prior authorization process, and 48% said these challenges contribute to burnout for the entire office.

Shared Support to Maximize Benefits

BCoD’s goal is to provide a supportive environment where members can find answers to their questions and streamline the authorization process to best support clinicians and their patients.

We are a thriving community of more than 2000 members and growing, dedicated to alleviating the burden of prior authorizations.³ Our member-only platform serves as a comprehensive repository for topics related to prior authorizations, offering printable office resources, forums, electronic access to our quarterly magazine, brand-specific tools and guides, and the industry's only dermatology-specific certificate program for biologic coordinator education: the Professional Access Certificate Program through our BCoD Academy.

BCoD fosters communication and support for frontline workers to best support clinicians. And when professionals get together to share best practices, patients win. There are numerous examples of BCs enhancing patient outcomes and success stories. Here are a few:

• A patient could not get approval for coverage of their biologic, despite multiple appeals. Per shared practices, the biologic coordinator (BC) reworked the authorization for maintenance only, and the approval was obtained.
• An older couple who was paying $3000 a month for a biologicbegan falling behind on mortgage payments to cover the medication. The BC connected them with assistance for the drug, resulting in massive savings so they could meet their other financial obligations.
• After months of a family fighting with their insurance company to cover biologics for their child, a BC approval for them. The family was so appreciative that they visit the office and BC every year on the child’s birthday to celebrate with cake and a thank-you.

Understanding and Overcoming Challenges

The challenges of the prior authorization process stem from factors such as insufficient staffing or limited understanding within those tasked to do it, payers frequently changing processing rules without transparency, and time-consuming submissions due to unfamiliarity with the submission pathway or reliance on outdated technologies like fax machines instead of leveraging EHR capabilities. Additionally, errors during this process, outdated demographic data, and constantly evolving paperwork requirements from payors further exacerbate these burdens.

As the sole association exclusively committed to BCs in dermatology, BCoDis steadfast in tackling these challenges. Our mission is to educate and empower biologic coordinators through community engagement and advocacy to support clinicians in navigating the complex landscape of drug access and patient care. Our resources resonate not only with healthcare professionals but also with dermatologic patients, providing them with valuable insights into therapies and patient services.³

As such, we address the needs of our members to better support clinicians. For example, when we learned more than one-third of BCoD members reported not knowing enough about the appeal process or having the resources to conduct them, we implemented the first of its kind certificate program for the access professional, working in tandem with top medical institutions to cover all aspects of the BC role.

Conference Provides Education, Resources, and Networking Opportunities

To ensure success stories for years to come, BCoD hosts the largest conference dedicated specifically to dermatology BCs. Recognizing the commitment involved in taking time away from the office, we are fully dedicated to delivering fresh, engaging content and unique experiences for all attendees. Our objective is for participants to leave the conference feeling empowered and well-informed, equipped with insights that will enhance office efficiencies upon their return.

“The conference addresses both seasoned and aspirational BCs. While attendees will hear from their peers, other speakers from industry include specialty pharmacies such as Walgreens, Acaria Health, and Optum, as well as companies designed to increase workflow such Cover My Meds and Nextech. All content is aimed at addressing the challenges that BCs face with increased workload and limited educational opportunities, saving time for office staff and increasing patient satisfaction,” said Craig Schuette, executive director of BCoD.

Last year's attendees received complimentary access to the BCoD Professional Access Certificate Program, to further support BCs. The program was successful, with 75% of participants indicating it gave them more confidence to do their job, 58% said it contributed to increased workflow efficiency, and 54% said it aided in shortening time to drug approval.

The 2024 conference will be held October 27-29 in Orlando, Florida, and will include a BCoD Masterclass. Participants will receive an exclusive dermatology-specific biologic binder, a resource developed by dermatology BCsfor fellow coordinators. This tool includes innovative solutions to enhance office workflows, brand-specific approval processes, and EMR proficiency.

Concluding Thoughts

BCoD is dedicated to empowering experienced and aspiring BCs to navigate the complexities of drug approvals, supporting clinicians in providing evidence-based, quality care and ensuring patients have access to prescribed medications without interruption from payors. We advocate for patient outcomes while supporting prescribers in their fundamental rights to diagnose and prescribe with confidence. We are excited to partner with Dermatology Times to increase awareness and support!

Neo Cuellar serves as the BCoD Education Manager with 14 years of experience as a biologic coordinator and medical assistant.

Craig Schuette serves as the executive director of BCoD with more than 20 years of marketing experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

References

1. Petitt CE, Kiracofe E, Adamson A, Barbieri JS. Prior authorizations in dermatology and impact on patient care: An updated survey of US dermatology providers and staff by the American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatol Online J. 2021;27(1):13030/qt990631n9. Published 2021 Jan 15.
2. Abid R, Salzman G. Evaluating physician burnout and the need for organizational support. Mo Med. 2021;118(3):185-190.
3. BCoD - biologic coordinators of dermatology: Together, we advance patient access. BCoD Biologic Coordinators of Dermatology. 2019. Accessed July 23, 2024. https://www.bcofdermatology.com/