Specialty pharmacy and hubs
DTC and DTP Patient Support Model Consulting
Eligibility, pricing paths, pharmacy partners, and guardrails for direct supply models.
Definition
What are DTC and DTP patient support models?
A direct-to-consumer (DTC) or direct-to-patient (DTP) model lets a manufacturer supply a therapy to patients through its own contracted channel, rather than only through traditional wholesale and retail routes. The patient support model defines who verifies benefits, handles payment, dispenses, and follows up with the patient on that direct path.
This guide is part of our specialty pharmacy and hub optimization work. Direct models still need hub-style services, so they are designed together with hub-to-FRM harmonization, and their price paths feed the gross-to-net model.
Engagements on this topic are led by Osama M. Elhelw, RPh, LSSBB, Managing Partner of HealthBridge Consulting. View credentials and licenses.
| Model | Who dispenses | How the patient pays | Main compliance focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional specialty pharmacy | Network specialty pharmacies | Insurance, with copay support where eligible | Hub and pharmacy data sharing, and copay program rules |
| Manufacturer-supported cash pay (DTC) | Contracted pharmacy partner | Self-pay at a posted price | Federal program interaction, state licensure, and privacy |
| Direct-to-patient with insurance billing | Contracted pharmacy partner | Insurance plus patient cost share | Claims processing and benefit integration |
| Bridge and free-goods supply | Dispensing or non-dispensing pharmacy routing | No charge while coverage is pending | Eligibility rules and exit paths to paid therapy |
General information for planning purposes, not legal advice.
Our approach
How we will approach DTC and DTP patient support models
Step 01
Define the patient path
- We will define eligibility, pricing, and payment paths for each direct model.
- We will map how each path connects to the existing hub.
Step 02
Select the partners
- We will select and govern the pharmacy, hub, and technology partners.
- We will set service levels and data-sharing terms.
Step 03
Set compliance guardrails
- We will define guardrails for federal program patients, state pharmacy licensure, and privacy.
- We will review them with your legal and compliance teams.
Step 04
Connect the data
- We will connect direct-channel data to your hub, analytics, and gross-to-net reporting.
- We will track time to therapy and cost per patient by path.
Keep reading
Related guides
Specialty pharmacy and hubs
Specialty pharmacy and hub optimization
Design the hub, pharmacy, and field roles that move a patient from prescription to first dose.
Read the guideSpecialty pharmacy and hubs
Hub-to-FRM harmonization
One case record, one set of handoff rules, and one answer for every provider office.
Read the guideMarket access
Gross-to-net and 340B compliance
Model every deduction between list price and net revenue, with 340B obligations in view.
Read the guideQuestions about DTC and DTP patient support models
What is the difference between DTC and DTP?
The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. DTC usually points to consumer-facing platforms where the patient can buy directly, while DTP usually points to manufacturer-supported fulfillment with patient services.
Does DTC mean consumer advertising?
Not in this context. Direct-to-consumer advertising is a separate topic. Here DTC and DTP describe how a therapy is supplied and supported.
Does a direct model replace the hub?
No. Patients on a direct path still need benefits support, adherence follow-up, and escalation, so most programs keep hub-style services and connect them to the direct channel.
Which compliance issues come up most often?
The most common are interaction with federal healthcare programs, state pharmacy licensure, and patient data privacy. Each should be reviewed by your legal and compliance teams.
Talk to us about DTC and DTP patient support models
Tell us about your organization and we will respond within 24 business hours.