Why Adherence-Focused Models Matter in Inflammatory Care

Chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are among the fastest-growing drivers of specialty drug spend.1 As prevalence rises, so does the demand for long-term, high-cost therapies—placing increasing pressure on healthcare budgets and care teams to manage costs while improving outcomes.

Accredo® Specialty Pharmacy’s Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Conditions (RA&I) Therapeutic Resource Center® (TRC) is purpose-built to address the unique challenges of inflammatory care—through high-touch, clinically guided engagement that improves adherence and reduces avoidable medical utilization.

The Cost Burden of Inflammatory Conditions

More than 12 million Americans live with chronic inflammatory diseases, including:

• ~1.5 million with rheumatoid arthritis2
• ~3 million with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis3
• ~8 million with psoriasis4

These conditions not only impact quality of life—they also drive disproportionate specialty drug spend. The average cost per specialty prescription exceeds $4,500,5 and in IBD alone, 71% of healthcare costs are attributed to prescription drugs, primarily biologics.6 Chronic conditions now account for 90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures.7

Nonadherence and suboptimal treatment utilization often lead to flares and disease progression—making coordinated care and adherence strategies essential to helping improve outcomes and reduce avoidable medical utilization.

Therapy Adherence is Critical in Inflammatory Care

Medication nonadherence remains one of the most persistent and costly challenges in managing complex diseases. In the U.S., it contributes to:8

• 125,000 preventable deaths annually
• 25% of hospitalizations
• 50% of treatment failures

For patients with inflammatory conditions, supporting adherence is essential—not just for symptom control, but for avoiding costly complications. Improving adherence could save billions annually by reducing hospitalizations, emergency visits, and treatment failures.9

How Accredo’s RA&I TRC Drives Better Outcomes

Accredo’s RA&I TRC delivers 24/7 support from pharmacists and nurses trained in inflammatory care. This specialized model combines clinical support with personalized outreach to help patients start—and stay—on therapy.

Key features include:

• Nurse-led adherence monitoring and outreach
• Digital tools including refill reminders and therapy support
• Side effect mitigation and dose adjustments
• Coordination for evidence-based therapy
• Support for individuals facing social determinants of health through Accredo Care Equity

In a recent study, Accredo’s multi-modal approach—including digital and telephonic support—led to the highest adherence rates among patients initiating dupilumab therapy.

In 2024, the RA&I TRC model delivered measurable results:10

• 12% fewer ER visits
• 22% fewer inpatient admissions
• 8% lower overall medical costs

A Coordinated Approach for Smarter Specialty Spend

As the inflammatory drug landscape continues to evolve, there is growing opportunity to improve the value of specialty care. But access to therapies alone isn’t enough. True value comes from ensuring patients are adherent, engaged, and supported throughout their journey.

Accredo’s RA&I TRC offers an outcomes-focused model that helps unlock greater value in inflammatory care—through stronger adherence and reduced avoidable medical utilization—such as unnecessary inpatient admissions and emergency room visits—and a better experience for those managing chronic conditions.

• 1

  Evernorth Research Institute.Pharmacy in Focus 2025: The biosimilar breakthrough in adoption and affordability. Evernorth. Retrieved from https://www.evernorth.com/pharmacy-in-focus-2025/biosimilars

• 2

  Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis

• 3

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). IBD Facts and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/php/facts-stats/index.html

• 4

  National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-statistics/

• 5

  Evernorth. (2023). Improving Drug Adherence for Inflammatory Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.evernorth.com/articles/improving-medication-adherence-inflammatory-conditions

• 6

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). IBD Facts and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/php/facts-stats/index.html

• 7

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

• 8

  Evernorth. (2025, June 3). Medication adherence improves with multi-modal support. https://www.evernorth.com/articles/medication-adherence-improves-with-multi-modal-suppo

• 9

  Neiman, A. B., Ruppar, T., Ho, M., Garber, L., Weidle, P. J., Hong, Y., George, M. G., & Thorpe, P. G. (2017). CDC Grand Rounds: Improving Medication Adherence for Chronic Disease Management — Innovations and Opportunities. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 66(45), 1246–1251. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6645a2.htm

• 10

  Cartwright, A., Halim, L., Dorholt, M., Bridges, G., & Viteri, Y. (2024, May). Impact of Specialty Pharmacy: A Study in Inflammatory Conditions [Poster presentation]. ISPOR 2024, Atlanta, GA, USA. Value in Health, 27(6), S235. Retrieved from https://www.ispor.org/heor-resources/presentations-database/presentation/intl2024-3898/138220