Optimizing Prescriber Statements: Best Practices and Tips

Prescriber statements have become one of the most valuable tools a pharmacy can use when needing to appeal claims found to be discrepant for a variety of reasons. They commonly take the form of a letter written by the prescriber to the PBM confirming, clarifying, or validating a prescription filled by your pharmacy. While every PBM has their own requirements, PAAS National® analysts have compiled a list of the typically required elements below.

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Prescriber statements should have all the elements of the original prescription, in statement form, and address the reason for the discrepancy:

  • Prescriber full name, address and phone number (and DEA for a controlled substance)
  • Patient name and date of birth (and address for a controlled substance)
  • Written date of prescription
  • Medication name, strength, and dosage form
  • Quantity and refills prescribed
  • Instructions for use
  • DAW code if applicable
  • Any additional information needed to clarify discrepancy flagged
  • Prescriber’s handwritten signature (electronic and stamped signatures are not accepted)
  • Date the statement was written/signed

PAAS Tips:

  • Each PBM has their own requirements for prescriber statements. Consult with a PAAS analyst to ensure your prescriber statements meet all requirements.
    • Once obtained, PAAS is happy to review, and provide feedback, on your prescriber statement(s)
    • Prescriber statements that do not meet all PBM requirements may be denied on appeal.
  • Prescriber statements MUST come from the prescriber’s office. Ensure legitimacy by having the prescriber send you the statement through fax with a cover sheet from their office, especially if it cannot be produced on their letterhead or office prescription pad.
    • Pharmacies should provide all the detailed information needed for the prescriber to be able to create the statement in their own words.
  • A prescriber’s office stamp may be used to validate a statement not written on the prescriber’s letterhead, but then the statement should be sent back to the pharmacy by fax with a cover sheet from the prescriber to further prove legitimacy and proof of origin.
  • Humana currently uses a prescriber statement template. This template will only be sufficient for Humana appeals and does NOT meet the requirements for other PBMs.
  • Remember to add the prescription number to the prescriber statement for auditor reference.

Jennifer Ottman, CPhT