Cigna announced on Wednesday that its health services division, Evernorth, has introduced a new artificial intelligence-driven specialty pharmacy initiative. The program, named Pharmacy Forward, aims to shorten the duration required to process prescriptions and enhance service for customers.
The insurer stated that the project is backed by a $100 million investment that will continue through 2028. The company indicated that the initiative is expected to create approximately $400 million in value by the end of that period. Evernorth also noted plans to extend many of these capabilities to other pharmacy operations in the coming years.
The AI system is initially being deployed through Accredo, Cigna’s specialty pharmacy. According to the company, the technology integrates clinical data and insights to generate summaries. This automation is designed to reduce the time clinicians spend on documentation by up to 50%, allowing them to dedicate more attention to patient care.
Additionally, the program utilizes AI to streamline prior authorization requests. Cigna reported that this feature will halve the time patients wait to receive their medication after Accredo receives a prescription. The insurer also mentioned that Accredo is expanding its capacity, staffing, and capabilities at many of its nearly 40 care facilities.
Health insurers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence tools to streamline documentation processes, reduce administrative burdens, and lower costs. The specific details regarding how the program will impact individual patient outcomes beyond time savings were not provided.
Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo
