When your patients need Synvisc but you don't stock it

As a healthcare provider, few things are more frustrating than prescribing an effective treatment only to have patients struggle to access it. If you've determined that a patient would benefit from Synvisc but don't maintain inventory, this guide provides practical strategies to ensure they receive the care they need.

Understanding current Synvisc availability

The reality: While Synvisc isn't technically in shortage, access has become more challenging due to inventory economics and distribution complexities.

Why practices don't stock it:

• High per-unit costs ($600-$1,200) strain cash flow
• Expiration risk for low-volume practices
• Storage requirements (refrigeration, dedicated space)
• Insurance approval unpredictability

Where it's most available:

• Large academic medical centers
• High-volume orthopedic practices
• Specialized arthritis centers
• Sports medicine facilities
• Practices with specialty pharmacy partnerships

Why patients struggle to find Synvisc independently

When patients search on their own, they often:

• Call inappropriate practices: Family medicine, urgent care, general internal medicine
• Use inefficient search methods: Random Google searches, insurance directories
• Lack medical context: Don't understand specialty requirements or alternatives
• Get discouraged quickly: Give up after a few failed attempts

Your guidance can dramatically improve their success rate and reduce frustration.

5 steps to help patients locate Synvisc

Step 1: Provide targeted referral suggestions

Instead of: "Call around to find someone who has it."

Try this: "I'm referring you to these specific types of practices that are most likely to have Synvisc available."

Best referral targets:

• Academic orthopedic departments: University hospitals typically maintain comprehensive viscosupplement inventory
• Large multispecialty orthopedic groups: Higher patient volume supports inventory investment
• Dedicated arthritis centers: Focus on joint injections means reliable stock
• Sports medicine clinics: Frequently use viscosupplements for active patients

Provide specific names: Give patients 2-3 specific practice names rather than general suggestions.

Step 2: Facilitate the referral process

Documentation to provide:

• Referral letter with clinical rationale
• Relevant imaging reports
• Documentation of failed conservative therapies
• Current medication list and allergies

Communication with receiving practice:

• Call ahead to confirm they stock Synvisc
• Verify they're accepting new patients
• Discuss timeline expectations
• Confirm insurance acceptance

This professional courtesy significantly improves patient experience and outcomes.

Step 3: Educate patients about the process

Set realistic expectations:

• "Finding Synvisc typically takes 2-4 weeks due to insurance approval and scheduling"
• "You may need to travel to a larger medical center"
• "The injection will be done in a specialist's office, not a regular pharmacy"

Explain what patients should ask:

• "Do you currently have Synvisc or Synvisc-One in stock?"
• "How far out are you booking viscosupplement appointments?"
• "Do you accept my insurance for this procedure?"

Step 4: Provide navigation resources

Recommend Medfinder: Direct patients to medfinder.com/providers, which specializes in locating hard-to-find medications.

Insurance navigation:

• Help them understand their prior authorization status
• Provide contact information for their plan's specialty pharmacy network
• Explain coverage differences between viscosupplement brands

Patient education materials: Give them written information about Synvisc, alternatives, and what to expect during treatment.

Step 5: Maintain care continuity

Follow-up coordination:

• Request consultation reports from receiving providers
• Coordinate ongoing osteoarthritis management
• Monitor treatment outcomes
• Provide post-injection care guidance if needed

Alternative planning: If Synvisc proves inaccessible, be prepared to discuss backup treatment options.

Alternative strategies when referrals aren't feasible

Order-on-demand approach

How it works:

1. Obtain insurance pre-authorization
2. Order Synvisc specifically for confirmed patient
3. Schedule injection 1-2 weeks after order
4. Patient pays any required copay/deductible upfront

Requirements for success:

• Confirmed insurance coverage
• Patient commitment to treatment
• Reliable distributor relationship
• Appropriate injection skills and equipment

Specialty pharmacy partnerships

Direct delivery models: Some specialty pharmacies will deliver Synvisc directly to your practice for specific patient appointments.

Benefits:

• No inventory investment required
• Guaranteed availability for scheduled patients
• Simplified billing and administration
• Reduced expiration risk

Setup requirements: Establish accounts with specialty pharmacies in your network and understand their delivery timelines.

When to recommend alternatives instead

Consider alternatives first if:

• Patient needs treatment urgently (< 2 weeks)
• Patient has transportation limitations
• Patient's insurance heavily favors specific brands
• Local Synvisc availability is consistently poor

Effective alternatives to discuss:

• Hyalgan: Often better insurance coverage, widely available
• Euflexxa: Good for patients with poultry allergies
• Orthovisc: Similar efficacy, often more accessible
• Gel-One: Single injection convenience

Position alternatives as clinically appropriate options, not "second choices."

Workflow optimization for your practice

Streamlined patient navigation protocol

At initial consultation:

1. Assess candidacy for viscosupplementation
2. Check insurance coverage for multiple options
3. Discuss treatment goals and patient preferences
4. Explain access realities upfront

For referrals:

1. Contact receiving practice directly
2. Send comprehensive clinical documentation
3. Confirm patient appointment scheduling
4. Arrange follow-up communication

For order-on-demand:

1. Submit insurance pre-authorization
2. Confirm patient commitment and payment arrangements
3. Place medication order after approval
4. Schedule injection with appropriate lead time

Staff training considerations

Front desk protocols:

• Know which local practices stock viscosupplements
• Understand insurance prior authorization requirements
• Have referral templates and contact information readily available

Clinical staff education:

• Understand differences between viscosupplement brands
• Know how to check insurance coverage
• Can explain treatment timelines to patients

Patient communication best practices

Setting appropriate expectations

Effective language:

• "Synvisc is a specialized injection that requires coordination between your insurance and a practice that stocks it"
• "This process typically takes 2-4 weeks, but the results can last 3-6 months"
• "I'm going to connect you with practices that have the best track record for Synvisc availability"

Avoid saying:

• "Just call around until you find it"
• "It's probably in shortage"
• "Try the internet to find someone"

Written instructions for patients

Provide a one-page handout including:

• Specific practices to contact (names, phone numbers)
• Questions to ask when calling
• Timeline expectations
• Insurance information they'll need
• Your office contact for questions

Measuring success and improving outcomes

Track patient outcomes:

• What percentage of referred patients successfully receive treatment?
• Average time from referral to injection
• Patient satisfaction with the referral process
• Clinical outcomes at follow-up

Continuous improvement:

• Maintain relationships with high-performing referral targets
• Update referral lists based on availability changes
• Incorporate patient feedback into workflow refinements

The bottom line: proactive guidance makes the difference

Helping patients find Synvisc isn't just about providing a referral—it's about active navigation and support through a complex process. Your expertise and professional relationships can transform a frustrating experience into successful treatment.

The key is being proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for patients to struggle and return disappointed, provide comprehensive guidance upfront that sets them up for success.

For additional resources and tools to help your patients, visit medfinder.com/providers for practice-specific guidance on medication accessibility.

Remember: effective patient care sometimes extends beyond your exam room. Ensuring access to prescribed treatments is an essential component of comprehensive medical practice.