Unleashing Breathe of Fresh Air: The Importance of Accessible Asthma Treatment in Improving Outcomes for Patients and Society

“Breath of Fresh Care” is a paper penned by physicians that discusses recent advancements in asthma treatment, with a focus on how biologics are changing the way providers tailor care for patients with asthma. Dr. J. Allen Meadows emphasizes the importance of innovative treatments in providing patients with more targeted options that meet their specific needs.

While these treatments have the potential to be game-changers for patients with asthma, it is crucial to ensure that access to these treatments is not hindered by barriers such as prior authorization, step therapy, formularies, and copay diversion programs. These tactics can delay patients from accessing their treatment in a timely manner and lead to significant out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Organizations like ICER may impact whether a medication receives coverage without considering patient values and perspectives. It is essential for policies to be put in place to reduce these barriers to access innovative asthma treatments. With the right care, asthma patients can experience improved outcomes and breathe easier, reducing absences from school for children and improving productivity for adults, ultimately leading to fewer emergency room visits.

Dr. J. Allen Meadows highlights the remarkable advancements in asthma treatments during his lifetime and notes their significant impact on patient outcomes and quality of life. The Alliance for Patient Access is a network of policy-minded healthcare providers who advocate for patient-centered care, ensuring that patients have access to innovative treatments that can improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with asthma and other chronic conditions.