Ipledge Program Update 2021
Could it get any crazier? Sure, it can, thanks to system changes and updates in the IPledge “Committed to Pregnancy Prevention” Program. When are all the updates happening? Right in the middle of the chaos—the middle of December. Not to worry. This article will help you navigate these transitions and minimize disruptions to patient care and office protocols.
All isotretinoin prescribers should have recently received email notifications from the IPledge system. If you have not received any email communications, check your spam folder and/or log into your IPledge account and confirm that your email is correct and up-to-date.
Launched in March 2006, many agree that the IPledge program and website needed some updates. Essentially, there will be two main changes: First, patients will be simply categorized as those “who can get pregnant” and those “who cannot get pregnant.” The IPledge Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) requirements will remain unchanged. Secondly, the updated website will allow patients to register and sign consent forms in a prescriber’s office. These signed online forms, along with other educational materials, will be stored in a patient’s IPledge profile and will be accessible to providers and patients at all times. Furthermore, patients can use their phones to display a QR code to pharmacists, verifying prescription eligibility.
Important dates and info:
Now-December 10: Providers need to know their NPI number, username, and date of personal significance (originally collected by the iPLEDGE system as confidential data utilized for identity authentication purposes). If you don’t know it, log onto the current website BEFORE December 10th, because you will need this information to access the new website. Designees (the MAs/nurses that work with you and confirm your IPledge patients) also need to know their username and date of personal significance before December 10th. If you don’t know how to log on, call IPledge customer service at 1-866-495-0654 but be prepared for long wait times.
December 11 and 12: The entire system will be down. No access to the IPledge website or phone.
December 13: The new website launches. You will log on for the first time (with your username, NPI, and date of personal significance). Update your profile. You will have to sign the IPledge attestation electronically. Then, you need to reassign your active patients to one of the two new categories. Throw away any printed materials you had before December 13; they will be considered out of date. New printed materials will have to be requested, but they can be easily accessed online.
The information provided above is from the instructional video IPledge emailed to all registered prescribers (see link below). It is highly recommended that you and your office staff watch this video before the website changes.
https://www.ipledge.syneoshealthlearning.com/prescriber
Take care and happy holidays!
Vicki Roberts PA-C is a dermatology PA at Palmetto Dermatology in West Columbia, SC where her clinical focus is general dermatology and surgery. She also keeps busy with her two always hungry teenage boys, two loving dogs, and one sassy cat.