Picture of a patient receiving Prolia Injection

Hospital to Provide Osteoporosis Medicine

Brewton, AL - D. W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is now offering a medication that treats Osteoporosis. Hospital officials confirmed that the Prolia Injection is now being administered in the outpatient department of the hospital.

"We are always looking to provide services that allow our citizens to stay in our hometown," said Chris Griffin, hospital administrator, "We were recently contacted by Tommy Shehan, Practice Administrator for the Brewton Medical Center about the possibility of D.W. McMillan partnering with the Brewton Medical Center to provide the Prolia medication to the local community."

Maintaining services and lowering medication costs for patients is consistent with the purpose of the program D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital offers. Shehan stated that, "We were hoping that the hospital's participation in the outpatient medication program for the Prolia Injection will be a great service for the community."

"Typically, people who are being treated with Prolia are at high risk for bone fractures," said Susan Douglas, outpatient director. "Prolia helps by strengthening bones in the body. Anyone who thinks they may need Prolia should make an appointment with their local physician."

The Osteoporosis medication, Prolia, is a subcutaneous injection given once every six months. The patient's primary physician will determine if Prolia is an indicated treatment. The physician's office will then fax the orders to the hospital outpatient department, similar to setting up CT scans, MRI's and mammograms. The hospital outpatient department will call the patient to set up an appointment for their injection.

"We looked at the cost of the Prolia Injection through our outpatient 340B medication program and found that cost was less than the current reimbursement levels for most payers," said Griffin. "This will allow us to partner with the Brewton Medical Center and share the service. The service will be offered through the hospital's Outpatient Department."

A patient must make a doctors appointment with their primary physician to determine if Prolia is right for them. The D.W. McMillan outpatient department can be reached by calling 251-809-8275.