Specialized care for multiple sclerosis (MS) requires a lifetime of medical treatment for the 1 million people affected by the chronic neurological disorder. Across Novant Health, neurologists are working with nurses, as well as occupational therapists, pharmacists, psychologists and social workers, to manage the disease with a broad range of care options.
Medication therapies are a mainstay of treatment. Novant Health offers systemwide access points for patients utilizing specialty medications and outpatient infusion services. Our comprehensive approach to MS care was recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society earlier this year.
Important MS treatment options
Infusion centers offer MS care, allowing patients the flexibility to manage treatment and appointments in an ambulatory setting. “When most people think of infusion, they think of cancer and blood transfusions,” said Shelle Sigmon, manager for Novant Health’s outpatient infusion centers. “But many don’t stop to think about the diseases like multiple sclerosis that need treatment for a lifetime.”
A significant part of that treatment journey requires a team-based approach that ensures better specialty medication access and affordability for patients.
“Whether patients are going to Charlotte or to the coast for treatment, we do everything we can to make that experience seamless,” said Lisa Nichols, who directs nursing for infusion and liaises with the system’s specialty pharmacies.
In short, she said, “My team helps ensure that every patient’s experience is remarkable.”
Affordable specialty medications
Novant Health specialty pharmacies help minimize the administrative burden for clinicians while maximizing patient perks, including prescription delivery and 24/7 local pharmacist support. Simply sending a prescription to any one of Novant Health’s specialty pharmacies will automatically connect clinicians and patients to the full suite of specialty medication services.
Access is almost always the biggest obstacle when dealing with retail pharmacies. Both providers and patients experience long wait times and frustrating customer service. But Novant Health’s pharmacy team is available around the clock to help patients with medication and financial-assistance questions.
What to know about MS care advancements
Novant Health offers personalized MS patient management, from disease-modifying therapies to rehabilitation and clinical trials.
“Our advanced diagnostic tools and regular monitoring create personalized treatment plans, which help ensure optimal disease management and quality of life for every patient,” said neurologist Dr. Nancy Rosales of Novant Health Multiple Sclerosis Care - Kernersville.
In September, the Food and Drug Administration approved the subcutaneous infusion medication Ocrevus Zunovo for patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS. The drug will reduce infusion time from about four hours to less than an hour, said neurologist Jill Conway, MD, director of Novant Health’s MS program in Charlotte.
“B-cell therapies have revolutionized MS treatment,” Dr. Conway said. “These are the most prescribed medications right now, and people with relapsing MS tend to do very well if they are placed on these high-efficacy therapies early.”
State-of-the-art therapies, combined with targeted treatment, can prevent relapses and help patients maintain long-term stability. Otherwise, patients who are not managed by an MS specialist may not be on the most current treatment protocols and could continue to experience relapses.
MS specialists closely monitor for side effects and track disease activity through regular imaging and lab work. This means they have the ability to differentiate MS from other demyelinating conditions, such as neuromyelitis optica or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease.
Prescribing the latest disease-modifying therapies can effectively prevent MS relapses and improve long-term outcomes, said neurologist Sara Klein, MD, of Novant Health Neurology - Doctors Circle in Wilmington.
“We also have the tools and expertise to confirm or rule out an MS diagnosis and ensure that patients receive the appropriate care and follow-up."
Patients will travel for specialized care.
When it comes to lifelong medical care, patients value trust in their clinicians more than anything else. As part of that consistent treatment, Novant Health offers several locations to ensure access to specialty drugs and infusion services.
For instance, say you have family living in Charlotte full-time but spending most winters at the coast; at Novant Health, they can be treated even while on vacation.
“I have patients who come to see me from Virginia and Myrtle Beach, some I’ve been treating since my first week in Charlotte 16 years ago,” said Dr. Conway. “I feel like I know them and their families.”
Novant Health’s team approach to MS treatment provides patients with education, counseling, support groups and advocacy – no matter where they are.
“MS is not the disease it used to be,” Dr. Conway said. “Because now we can treat it so much more effectively.”
Visit NovantHealth.org/MS to learn more or refer a patient.
