THE KUMC FORMULARY SYSTEM
The following statements are intended to clarify the distinction between the KUMC Formulary System as it applies to the hospital setting and the broader availability of drugs in the KUMC Outpatient Pharmacy
THE FORMULARY SYSTEM
The Formulary System is the accepted method approved by the Medical Staff whereby physicians select medications to be available for KUMC patients. The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee evaluates, appraises and selects from numerous medical agents commercially available and makes recommendations to the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff indicating which are the preferred medications for patient care at KUMC. These recommendations require approval by the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff prior to formulary inclusion. The evaluation of drugs for admission into the Formulary System is comprehensive and considers efficacy, safety, and economic issues, all aimed at promoting rational, cost effective drug threapy. It also includes comparisons of therapeutic alternatives to minimize therapeutic duplication in the formulary. The KUMC Formulary is the published list of approved medications considered most useful in providing care for the vast majority of patients, both inpatient and outpatient, in the KUMC Health System. KUMC prescribers are expected to prescribe these approved formulary medications. If medically necessary, non-formlary medications can be obtained upon request for specific patients during their hospital stay.
When a non-formulary medication is requested for a specific patient, the pharmacist will inform the prescribing physician of therapeutically equivalent formulary alternatives. If an formulary medication is not identified and the non-formulary request is approved, the Pharmacy will obtain a sufficient supply of the on-formulary drug for that patient’s hospital stay. A time delay may occur if the drug must be ordered from outside sources.
OUTPATIENT PHARMACY SERVICES
Outpatients cared for by KUMC are covered by a variety of health insurance programs. Reimbursement practices/requirements, preferred medications and formularies of these programs differ greatly. To provide comprehensive pharmacy services to all outpatients, the Outpatient Pharmacy maintains a drug inventory, which not only includes the KUMC Formulary medications but additional medications as well. While KUMC prescribers are encouraged to utilize our preferred medications, other medications are also available.
