AMCP Position Statements

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) supports scientifically-sound research that compares the effectiveness and value of medications and treatments, as well as research aimed at tailoring treatment options to individual patients’ needs. Prescribers and patients need this information to evaluate and select treatment options most likely to achieve a desired therapeutic outcome. Health care decision-makers use this information when designing benefits to ensure that safe and effective medications with the best value are provided for all stages of treatment. Such research encourages optimal medication use while also promoting the prudent management of financial resources within the health care system. AMCP believes that the following principles apply to both comparative effectiveness research (CER)1 and patient‐centered outcomes research (PCOR)2 in the context of managed care: the appropriate role of the federal government and other entities (both public and private) in coordinating, funding, and disseminating the results of such research; the characteristics of research design; and the use of research results by patients, providers, and health care decision-makers. 

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) supports policies that encourage the incorporation of cost-effectiveness considerations into health care decision-making. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is a method to assess the value of the clinical outcomes of a treatment relative to the cost. This type of analysis aligns with managed care objectives to optimize patient outcomes, maintain affordability, and encourage sustainability. CEA offers guidance to decisions about coverage and pricing to support managed care strategies—like formulary design, prior authorization, step therapy, and value-based contracting. Policies that promote cost-effectiveness help to ensure patients have access to treatments that deliver meaningful health outcomes at sustainable costs.

AMCP stands against racial and health care injustice. AMCP is committed to 1) mitigating disparities related to optimal medication use, 2) advancing conversations by calling for pertinent submissions to the Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP) and conducting partnership forum(s), 3) incorporating health equity goals into the strategic plan, and 4) supporting impactful education and policy.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) supports an abbreviated licensure pathway for the approval of biosimilar biologic drug therapies.

AMCP supports the implementation and expanded use of health information technology (HIT), including electronic health records and electronic prescribing.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) recognizes the critical role of pharmacists in ensuring continuity during transitions of care. AMCP strongly supports and advocates for the pharmacist's involvement in collaborative, patient-centered care throughout these transitions.

AMCP encourages schools and colleges of pharmacy to ensure the provision of a balanced, general education, including information regarding emerging technologies and health care systems, to graduate educated and competent health care professionals.

AMCP's perspective on Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) in managed care pharmacy. Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) advocates for a collaborative approach to achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes, emphasizing the shared responsibility of the health care team.

AMCP has a position on Quality Performance Measures in managed care pharmacy. It recognizes the essential role of pharmacists, PBMs, and health plans in improving the quality of care provided to patients across all lines of business and supports a measure development process that integrates evidence-based medicine and stakeholder feedback in a timely manner.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) stands against racial and health care injustice. AMCP acknowledges that health care disparities occur across a multitude of factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomics. To increase health care access for all, collecting, evaluating, and incorporating data on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors and evaluating the association of these factors with medication use and access is imperative.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) emphasizes pharmacists' critical role in patient education and health care outcomes.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) recognizes drug utilization review (DUR) as an essential evaluation tool to facilitate the improvement of medication prescribing, administration, and use to enhance patient outcomes and help reduce overall healthcare costs.