Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas refuses to ship some HIV drugs to certain doctors

[TexasTowelie]

Two of Texas’ most experienced AIDS physicians say Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has refused to ship certain specialty medications they ordered to them because the doctors also offer cosmetic treatments.

Specialty medications, including some used in treating HIV and AIDS, often aren’t readily available through neighborhood pharmacies. Because of the costs associated with those drugs, insurance companies control their distribution, sometimes distributing the medications through their own pharmacies.

But spokespeople with Dr. Steven Pounders and Dr. Jaime Vasquez say this system has forced them to refer patients needing some medications to specialists.

Chris Brown, Pounders’ medical assistant, said that two such drugs are Egrifta and Serostim, injectibles that are used in treating the wasting syndrome associated with AIDS. Accredo, Blue Cross’ pharmacy, ships the two medications to physicians for infusion. But the pharmacy won’t ship them to Pounders.

More at http://www.dallasvoice.com/blue-cross-refuses-ship-hiv-drugs-doctors-10175623.html .

Cross-posted in the Texas Group.

[enlightenment]

1. Disgusting.

And it won't stop as long as for-profit insurance companies serve as the toll trolls between doctors and patients.