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Pharmacy  >  Ask a Pharmacist  >   > 

Answers from
The Pharmacists
America Trusts
SM

Topic: Healthcare Coverage
Question: What is a PBM?

Answer:PBM stands for pharmacy benefit manager. A PBM is a company that manages the prescription drug (pharmacy) component of an employer's or other sponsor's healthcare benefits. (These benefits often include medical, dental, and vision benefits along with pharmacy benefits.)

PBMs manage the pharmacy benefit for a client by controlling the administrative costs of processing prescription drug insurance claims and using clinical programs to ensure the right medications are prescribed for the right conditions. Clinical programs—including care management programs—help the PBMs' clients provide appropriate and preventive healthcare to the people covered under their pharmacy benefit. (Care management programs are targeted to persons living with certain health conditions—such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.)

Get general information on getting a prescription filled in our Health Library.

Learn more about Walgreens Health Initiatives, a PBM.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.

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