Comparison of patient assistance program software

The capabilities of available software programs for the management of applications to patient assistance programs (PAPs) and associated administrative tasks are reported.

Fifteen PAP software programs available at the time of data collection (July-September 2010) were identified through an Internet search and from e-mailed responses to a listserv request. To supplement and confirm the information obtained online, the software makers were contacted; additional data were collected through follow-up correspondence. The survey was restricted to standalone programs; all manufacturer-provided information was assumed to be accurate, and the products were not tested. The 15 software products evaluated (11 Web-based and 4 Windows-based programs) offered a wide range of capabilities to streamline the PAP application process, such as storage of patient and physician profiles, automatic completion of forms with stored data, application status tracking, and customized report generation. The Web-based programs offered some advantages over the Windows-based programs, including greater user accessibility and automatic updates. Product pricing varied widely, depending on the specific licensing terms. Some manufacturers offered discounts to health care organizations participating in the 340B Prime Vendor Program; some offered volume discounts. In addition, grant support may be available to help pay software licensing costs.

There are at least 15 software programs for streamlining and enhancing the process of PAP application management. No single program can meet the needs of every organization; selecting the right product demands a close look at the needs of an organization and the features and logistics of each program.