Evernorth inks strategic partnership with CarepathRx Health System Solutions

Evernorth has inked a strategic partnership with CarepathRx Health System Solutions that aims to boost access to specialty pharmacy care.

Through the partnership, the two will provide integrated specialty pharmacy services to CHSS' growing clientele, which includes more than 600 hospitals, health systems and physicians. This will allow these providers to diversify the ways they can support patients, according to an announcement.

As part of the partnership, Evernorth will make a "significant minority investment" in CHSS that it expects to close late in the second quarter or in the third quarter of 2023.

“Forging deeper relationships with physicians and other specialty and infusion pharmacies—a critical point of care for people with chronic and complex needs—is a key priority as we work to increase access to care and improve affordability,” said Eric Palmer, CEO of Evernorth, in the release. “Specialty care continues to be a focal point for hospital, health system and physician partners, and our collaboration with CHSS is an important step in delivering on our commitment to bring them even more patient care services to improve overall outcomes.” 

Providers that tap into the new offerings will gain access to enhanced coordination for infusion services, virtual care tools, value-based care opportunities and site of care flexibility, the partners said.

Evernorth said that its Accredo specialty pharmacy and other offerings are "highly complimentary" to CHSS' work to assist hospitals in expanding in-house specialty pharmacy capabiltiies.

Over time, the fusing of these capabilities will make it easier to manage care for patients with complex and complex conditions. Continuity of care for specialty drugs and better management of infusion services will both be key focuses, according to the announcement.

“At CarepathRx, we believe health systems, hospitals, and physicians play the most important roles in providing the best care to patients with chronic and complex diseases,” said John Figueroa, CEO of CarepathRx, in the release..  “Through specialty and infusion pharmacy partnerships, CHSS has created a model for health systems to extend their reach to alternate sites of care and into the home. This partnership with Evernorth is truly unique and will accelerate CHSS’ mission by creating payer-physician connections and leveraging Evernorth’s specialty and care services.”