Test to Treat for Paxlovid
Pharmacists are now permitted to order and prescribe the oral antiviral, Paxlovid, under certain conditions, for eligible patients who test positive for COVID-19. FDA recently recognized pharmacists’ expertise by revising Paxlovid’s EUA to include pharmacists among other health care professionals permitted to prescribe this therapeutic medication.
More information about implementing testing and treatment services is provided below.
Act now: Tell Congress payment for pharmacist prescribing of Paxlovid is critical
Pharmacists now have the authority to prescribe Paxlovid for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 disease under certain conditions. While updating the emergency use authorization (EUA) was a huge step forward, there is no current federal policy providing coverage for the associated clinical services required for pharmacist prescribing.
Use our prewritten, editable advocacy alert to ask your U.S. representatives to contact HHS and CMS to identify a payment pathway to reimburse pharmacists for their prescription of Paxlovid.
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APhA Training and Important Resources
- Oral Antivirals for COVID-19: Practical Considerations for Patient Selection, Evaluation for Safe Use, Monitoring and Referral
One-hour interactive, application-based case-study program that provides additional information about patient identification for use of Paxlovid, managing drug–drug interactions and when to refer patients to their primary care provider for additional follow-up. (CPE Available)
- Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid): Oral Antiviral
One-hour, knowledge-based program that discusses eligibility requirements, mechanism of action, efficacy and safety data and drug–drug interactions. See prior program for the most up to date treatment guidelines. (CPE Available)
- COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatment: Considerations for therapy (July 1, 2022)
FAQ that compares COVID-19 oral antivirals, Paxlovid and molnupiravir, outlines place in therapy, and reviews other key clinical information. (Know the Facts – PDF)
- Pharmacy Models For COVID-19 Testing (July 29, 2020)
Step-by-step overview of two pharmacy COVID-19 testing models and associated payment opportunities. (APhA Know the Facts – PDF)
- COVID-19 Testing Basics (October 30, 2020)
FAQ on the basics of COVID-19 tests, including molecular, antigen and antibody tests as well as testing activities and understanding test performance when counseling patients. (APhA Know the Facts – PDF)
APhA Advocacy
APhA continues to advocate that CMS and other payers take immediate action to provide adequate and appropriate payment for pharmacist test to treat services.