Background Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (anti-TNFs) are a primary treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmaceutical expenditures and usage of specialty drugs are increasing. In the United States, biosimilars continue to be underutilized, despite opportunities for health care cost savings. Through quality improvement (QI) methodology, we aimed to increase biosimilar utilization among eligible patients initiating intravenous (IV) anti-TNF therapy and describe patient outcomes and associated cost savings. Methods Beginning in July 2019, all patients initiating IV anti-TNF therapy were identified and tracked. Using the Institute of Healthcare Improvement Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, a four-stage problem-solving model used for carrying out change, we trialed interventions to increase biosimilar utilization, including provider, staff, and family education, and utilization of a clinical pharmacist and insurance specialist. Statistical process control charts were used to show improvement over time. Patients’ clinical outcome and cost savings were reviewed. Results Using QI methodology, we increased biosimilar utilization from a baseline of 1% in June 2019 to 96% by February 2021, with sustained improvement. The originator (infliximab) was the insurance company’s preferred product for 20 patients (20%). Patient outcomes (IV anti-TNF levels, absence of antidrug antibodies, and physician global assessment) between biosimilars and originators were similar. Estimated cost savings over the project duration were nearly $381,000 (average sales price) and $651,000 (wholesale acquisition cost). Conclusions Through QI methodology, we increased biosimilar utilization from 1% to 96% with sustained improvement, without compromising patient outcomes or safety. Estimated cost savings were substantial. Similar methodology could be implemented at other institutions to increase biosimilar utilization and potentially decrease health care costs.

Care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be complex and costly. Care delivery models to address these challenges and improve care quality are essential. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH), which was developed in the primary care setting, has recently been applied successfully to the adult IBD population. Following the tenets of the PCMH, this specialty medical home (SMH) emphasizes team-based care that is accessible, comprehensive, patient/family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and continuous and has demonstrated improved patient outcomes. Children and young adults with IBD have equally complex care needs, with additional challenges not faced by the adult population such as growth, physical and psychosocial development, and transition of care from pediatric to adult providers. Thus, we advocate that the components of the PCMH are equally—if not more—important in caring for the pediatric patient population. In this article, we review what is known about the application of the PCMH model in adult IBD care, describe care delivery within the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent IBD at Nationwide Children’s Hospital as an example of a pediatric IBD medical home, and propose a research agenda to further the development and dissemination of comprehensive care delivery for children and adolescents with IBD.

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