Embedded CMM pharmacists show value in specialty care.
A study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association found that embedding CMM pharmacists into specialty clinics may improve care for patients with complex inflammatory conditions. Researchers evaluated a program in dermatology, gastroenterology and rheumatology clinics within a large academic health system. Between July 2023 and June 2024, pharmacists conducted more than 5,200 visits for 2,856 patients, most of whom were taking specialty medications. Pharmacists identified nearly 3,800 medication therapy problems, with 94% of recommendations accepted by providers. Patients also reported high satisfaction. (Journal of the American Pharmacists Association)
Study examines tradeoffs of prescription drug coupons.
Manufacturer’s drug coupons can lower pharmacy costs for patients, but the savings may come with hidden tradeoffs. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that coupon use among commercially insured patients has slowed despite rising drug costs. While coupons can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for brand-name medications, they may not count toward insurance deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums and can discourage use of lower-cost generics. Researchers and consumer advocates said patients should consider how coupons may affect their overall healthcare spending. (KFF Health News; JAMA)
Practice Transformation
Only 42% of docs report burnout, down from 48%
New data from the AMA show physician burnout continues to decline from pandemic-era highs, with 41.9% of physicians reporting at least one symptom of burnout in 2025, down from 48.2% in 2023. Nearly 19,000 physicians across 106 health systems participated in the survey. Job stress also declined, while job satisfaction remained stable at 77%. Burnout rates varied significantly by specialty, with emergency medicine, urological surgery, and hematology/oncology reporting the highest levels. Administrative burden, staffing shortages and workflow inefficiencies remain major contributors to physician stress and burnout, researchers note. (AMA; Health Exec)
CMS targets faster drug prior authorizations
CMS has proposed new rules that would require health insurers and state Medicaid programs to respond more quickly to prescription drug prior authorization requests and publicly report denial rates. Under the proposal, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program insurers and state agencies would have to respond to non-urgent drug prior authorization requests within 24 hours. The rule would also require payers to disclose approval and denial rates, appeal outcomes and decision timeframes. CMS said the changes are intended to improve transparency, reduce administrative burden and speed patient access to medications. (Modern Healthcare; CMS)
Evidence & Innovation
GLP-1 demand pushes drug spending past $1T
US prescription drug spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion in 2026, up nearly 13% from an estimated $915 billion in 2025, according to a report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The increase is being driven largely by continued demand for GLP-1 medications used to treat diabetes and obesity, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. The report projects overall drug spending growth of 11% to 13% across clinics, hospitals and retail settings as use of high-cost specialty medications continues to rise and insurance coverage expands. (USA Today)
Policy Solutions
CMS launches digital Medicare records initiative
Medicare beneficiaries will soon be able to digitally share medical records with doctors and hospitals through a new CMS initiative designed to modernize health data exchange. The program, part of a broader Health Tech Ecosystem effort involving about 60 healthcare and technology organizations, uses smartphone apps and QR codes to transfer records directly into EHRs. Patients will verify their identity through services such as login.gov or CLEAR before sharing information. Supporters say the initiative could improve care coordination, reduce administrative burden and give patients greater control over their health information. (CMS; MedPageToday)
