Healthcare Solutions Hires Industry Experts to Assist Medication Recommendation

Healthcare Solutions, the parent company of Cypress Care, ScripNet and Procura Management, provides medical cost containment services to the workers’ compensation and auto/PIP markets, has named two industry experts to its Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee that is chaired by Scott Phillips, Pharm.D., director of clinical services for Healthcare Solutions.

Julie Ryba, R.Ph., and Dr. Pamella Thomas, MD, will join the committee’s existing licensed pharmacists and practicing physicians, to provide recommendations on the selection and use of medications to treat workers’ compensation and auto casualty claimants.

In addition to formulary design, Healthcare Solutions’ P&T Committee reviews medication safety issues, drug utilization trends, drug recalls, new generic introductions and changes in FDA drug indications. The multi-disciplined clinical committee also focuses specifically on narcotic utilization in thetreatment of injuries to recommend appropriate pharmacy pain management protocols.

“Julie Ryba and Dr. Thomas have many years of proven expertise in their fields, and we are very pleased to have them join our P&T Committee,” said Jim Andrews, executive vice president of pharmacy services at Healthcare Solutions. “Ryba’s extensive knowledge in pharmacy management and Thomas’ medical experience will bring valuable insight to the group, which will ultimately benefit our customers and their claimants.”

Working as a pharmacist for over 30 years, Julie Ryba, R.Ph., has an extensive background including 15 years of practicing pharmacy in the field, prior to pursuing more advanced positions in clinical management. Ryba, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa, has worked as a drug information pharmacist and as a manager for Medicaid drug utilization review. Ryba is registered as a pharmacist in North Carolina and Illinois, and is an active participant in the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. She currently works for Catamaran as a clinical account manager.

Pamella Thomas, MD, currently serves as an adjunct associate professor at Emory University School of Public Health and as a consulting medical director for PRIUM Medical Cost Management. Dr. Thomas has board certifications as a Fellow in Preventative Medicine and in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, as well as a Diplomate in Managed Care Medicine and a Diplomate from the American College of Physician Executives. Dr. Thomas’ past experience includes serving as medical director for the Southeast Region of Lockheed Martin Corporation and as medical director, surgeon and staff physician for the New York City Transit Authority. Dr. Thomas has also served as a member of the editorial advisory board of the Official Disability Guidelines since its inception.

The P&T Committee continues to monitor legislative updates, the impact of the Food and Drug Administration’s risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS), as well as the state-specific adoption of treatment guidelines.

Source: Healthcare Solutions