Notification to Alberta pharmacies on Generic Oxycontin prescription ...

March 2013NOTIFICATION TO ALBERTA PHARMACIESThe Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) - <strong>Alberta</strong>’s Health Care Services department is responsiblefor ensuring timely, cost effective and appropriate health care for injured workers.This communication is intended <strong>to</strong> advise you on WCB issues related <strong>to</strong> pharmacy services. Pleaseshare this information with your staff.This notice and future updates will be posted on the WCB’s website athttp://www.wcb.ab.ca/providers/WCB’S GENERIC OXYCODONE POSITIONWCB-ALBERTA’S GENERIC OXYCONTIN (OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE) POSITION:The WCB-<strong>Alberta</strong>’s primary concern is the health and well being of injured workers.Therefore after careful consideration of the available evidence outlining the risks/safety concernsassociated with the Oxycontin formulations, effective April 15, 2013 WCB will no longer authorizepayment or reimburse costs of generic OxyContin formulations of controlled-release Oxycodone.WCB will only pay for the OxyNEO formulations of controlled-release oxycodone.Coverage for short-acting oxycodone (i.e. OxyIR, Percocet, etc.) will not be affected.How does this affect you as a pharmacist?• Post a notice of this change in your pharmacy (a sample notice is attached) <strong>to</strong> advise workersof this position.• Be advised that the WCB will not pay for these prescriptions after April 15, 2013. If the workerchooses not <strong>to</strong> accept substitution of generic OxyContin prescriptions with OxyNEO they areresponsible <strong>to</strong> pay out of pocket for the drug cost.• WCB will pay for generic Oxycontin prescriptions filled before the effective date of this change.If you have a worker coming <strong>to</strong> your pharmacy with a generic OxyContin prescription:• Advise the worker that the WCB will not pay for this drug and they have three options:1. If their prescription allows, you as the pharmacist can substitute OxyNEO. The WCB will payfor OxyNeo and you (or the patient) would submit your invoice <strong>to</strong> the WCB as is normallydone.2. If their prescription does not allow for substitution, you can contact thier prescribing physicianon their behalf <strong>to</strong> obtain a prescription change <strong>to</strong> OxyNEO or the worker can visit theirphysician in person <strong>to</strong> discuss a prescription change. .3. Pay out-of-pocket for their prescription for generic oxycontin.Health Care Services131 Airport Road Edmon<strong>to</strong>n AB T5G 0W6Tel: 780 498-3219 Fax: 780 498-3998 Toll Free: 1 866 922 9221www.wcb.ab.ca

• If the worker has any questions about this position, direct them <strong>to</strong> contact their WCB casemanager at 1-866-922-9221.• If you have any questions prior <strong>to</strong> filling a prescription, contact WCB’s Claims Contact Centreat 1-866-922-9221 and ask <strong>to</strong> speak <strong>to</strong> the worker’s case manager.THANK YOU FOR ASSISTING US IN PROMOTING WORKER SAFETYIN RELATION TO THIS DRUG.For further information please contact:Reesa John, Health Care ConsultantHealth Care Services1.780.498.3232reesa.john@wcb.ab.caTo determine if the case manager has authorized a specific prescription, contact:Contact Centre at 1.780.498.3999 (Edmon<strong>to</strong>n) or Calgary 1.403.517.6000or <strong>to</strong>ll-free within <strong>Alberta</strong> at 1.866.922.9221Any direct billing inquiries for prescriptions can be directed <strong>to</strong>:Jayna KozakWCB-<strong>Alberta</strong>’s Medical Aid Department1.780.498.4285Health Care Services131 Airport Road Edmon<strong>to</strong>n AB T5G 0W6Tel: 780 498-3219 Fax: 780 498-3998 Toll Free: 1 866 922 9221www.wcb.ab.ca