Navigating Step Therapy in nAMD and DME
In this insightful discussion on changing therapeutic approaches in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), Judy Kim, MD and Peter Kaiser, MD address barriers like step therapy and the impact of insurance-guided choices on treatment outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a personalized approach, citing clinical trial data while acknowledging the challenges of aligning real-world practices with stringent trial protocols.
Summary
Judy Kim, MD and Peter Kaiser, MD discuss the evolving therapeutic strategies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). The conversation delves into barriers affecting treatment decisions, with a specific focus on step therapy mandated by insurance companies. Experts Kaiser emphasizes the influence of insurance on clinical choices and the efforts made by both physicians to advocate for patient-centered decisions.
The clinicians discuss the challenges of step therapy in nAMD, where insurance companies may require patients to start with off-label bevacizumab before considering other, potentially more efficacious agents. Peter Kaiser, MD highlights the importance of early gains in vision for DME patients and the impact of delays in accessing preferred treatments. The discussion also explores variations in treatment protocols and the potential discrepancies between clinical trial settings and routine clinical practice. Experts emphasizes the need for flexibility in applying trial findings to individual patient cases, acknowledging the differences in treatment approaches.
This summary was AI-generated and edited for clarity.
