SUMMER  2001 
Volume 6 / Number 3

Case Study: The Value of an Employer-Based Pharmacist

Beth Sherry, Prescription Drug Supervisor, Caterpillar, Inc.
Jan Douglas, RPh, Clinical Pharmacist, RESTAT
Patrick McComis, RPh, Director Clinical Services, RESTAT

This Employer-PBM team presented a case study of Caterpillar, Inc.'s self-funded and administered healthcare program. Caterpillar recently implemented a number of plan changes and, through its PBM, hired an onsite pharmacist in 2000.

Benefits remained unchanged at Caterpillar for a number of years to remain attractive in a competitive market. Due to a manufacturing slow down and cutbacks in 1999, Caterpillar was forced to review employee health benefits for long-term cost savings opportunities. The benefits group turned to the PBM for assistance with the prescription benefit.

Caterpillar and its PBM decided they would implement an early refill edit/dosage edit, review and pare down the formulary, and incorporate a therapeutic substitution program. Also, the PBM hired an onsite pharmacist to provide clinical support and to help Caterpillar identify additional utilization and cost management opportunities.

The pharmacist has been a significant asset for Caterpillar. Her responsibilities include: answering complex formulary questions, coordinating formulary guidelines, disease management programs, and meeting with local doctors and pharmaceutical drug representatives. Because she is well known in the local medical community, she has been able to accomplish much in a short time. Caterpillar realized a 3-4% reduction of prescription costs since launching several these drug initiatives in 2000.

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