What Are Biologics?
Biologics are advanced prescription medications made from living cells or proteins. They target specific parts of the immune system that drive inflammation. Biologics are often used when other treatments haven’t worked and are typically given by injection or infusion.
What Dermatologic Conditions Can Biologics Treat?
Biologics are commonly used for chronic inflammatory skin conditions, including:
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Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
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Chronic urticaria (hives)
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Psoriasis (plaque, guttate, scalp/sebopsoriasis, palmoplantar, and other forms)
Commonly Prescribed Medications
Including, but not limited to:
Cosentyx® • Taltz® • Skyrizi® • Tremfya® • Ilumya® • Humira® • Enbrel® • Cimzia® • Stelara® • Otezla® • Sotyktu® • Dupixent® • Adbry® • Rinvoq® • Xolair®
Prior Authorization + How Tandem Helps
Because biologics are specialized and expensive, most insurance plans require prior authorization before they will cover the medication. This means our office must submit clinical documentation to show the medication is medically necessary. The process can take several weeks (up to a month).
To help patients move through this process more smoothly, our office works with Tandem, a support team that helps coordinate next steps after a biologic is prescribed. Tandem may assist with:
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Insurance benefit verification (what’s covered and what your cost may be)
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Prior authorization support (helping gather and route required info)
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Copay assistance support (helping connect eligible patients to savings programs)
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Specialty pharmacy coordination (helping route the prescription to the correct pharmacy)
Our Biologics Coordinator, Katie, works closely with Tandem, your insurance plan, and specialty pharmacies to prevent avoidable delays and help you start treatment as soon as possible.
Patients can help by bringing all insurance and prescription drug cards to appointments and responding promptly if Tandem or the pharmacy reaches out.
Questions? Contact Katie at (517) 349-9777 ext. 2206.