PAAS National® analysts have noticed an increase in audits targeting Linzess®. Linzess® is a focus of PBM audits not only because of the high cost, but also the manufacturer dispensing requirements. Not following FDA approved guidelines when dispensing this medication will likely result in full recoupment.
Allergan, the manufacturer of Linzess®, has not provided evidence to the FDA for the safety and efficacy of this medication outside the original container. PAAS has reached out to Allergan looking for additional stability information to appeal audit recoupments; however, they have only confirmed the current requirements. Pharmacies can visit DailyMed1 for medication information, including How Supplied/Storage and Handling requirements under Section 16 of the drug label information.
While Linzess® is not the only medication required to be dispensed in the original container, it is frequently prescribed for patients in long-term care and for those who have medications in compliance packaging. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for these situations, and the original container must be given.
Billing Linzess® for quantities other than increments of 30 capsules will make the claim an easy audit target for any PBM to identify the medication was not dispensed in the original container. This is true for many other medications with specific dispensing requirements as well. PAAS Audit Assistance members can view the Dispense in Original Container Chart and view many other charts and tips on the PAAS Member Portal.
PAAS Tips: •When receiving a prescription of Linzess® written for a quantity less than 30 capsules, consult with the prescriber to discuss packaging requirements and obtain authorization for an appropriate quantity •Check all current prescriptions for Linzess® to ensure they are being dispensed per FDA guidelines •Consider adding shelf tags to this medication to flag pharmacy personal of requirement •Check if your software vendor can create an alert when NDCs are billed for quantities not valid with package size •Remember the Medicare Part D “short cycle dispensing” requirement to dispense no more than a 14-day supply on brand name oral solid medications in LTC settings has an exclusion for products that must be dispensed in their original container •Notify and discuss with LTC facilities the packaging requirements of this medication •Patients with compliance packaging will need to be educated on the importance of keeping this medication in the original container •Self-audit claims on a weekly or monthly basis to ensure appropriate dispensing PAAS National® is committed to serving community pharmacies and helping keep hard-earned money where it belongs. Contact PAAS today at (608) 873-1342 or info@paasnational.com to see why PAAS Audit Assistance membership might be right for you.
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