Newsletter - June

Team Update We’re currently recruiting for a fifth full-time pharmacist to join our Gold Coast-based team. Unlike many providers, IMM pharmacists work onsite together. This allows us to hold daily clinical meetings, collaborate on complex cases, and offer fast, tailored recommendations that improve patient care.

Medicinal Cannabis: Interstate Prescribing Challenges A key clinical focus this month has been the fragmented nature of medicinal cannabis prescribing across state lines. We’re seeing a rise in patients (especially in NSW Workers' Comp and CTP claims) receiving cannabis prescriptions from interstate doctors, often in Queensland—and having them dispensed by pharmacies in entirely different states, such as South Australia.

This creates serious coordination issues. State-based real-time prescription monitoring systems (like SafeScript) don’t talk to each other. As a result:

• NSW treating doctors may be unaware of cannabis use.
• Cannabis prescribers in QLD may not know about high-risk medications (e.g., opioids or benzos) being prescribed by NSW doctors.
• Pharmacists and case managers are left in the dark.

At IMM, we connect the dots. We have access to all state monitoring systems, allowing us to provide NTDs and specialists with accurate, consolidated medication histories—something even patients and prescribers may not be fully across.

Case Study: Why IMM Before IME Matters One standout case this month illustrated the importance of referring to IMM before Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) or specialist referrals. A patient was approved for cannabis treatment based on claims they had ceased opioid use. But after IMM was engaged post-funding, we uncovered that not only had opioid use continued, it had increased, and was now coming from multiple prescribers.

This data changed everything. The pain specialist, armed with accurate information, reversed their endorsement of cannabis. The NTD implemented sole prescriber controls and worked with us to reduce both cannabis and opioid use, while exploring alternative pain management strategies.

Key Takeaway IMM bridges critical communication gaps. When we’re involved, we provide treating teams with the facts they need before opinions are formed and funding is approved. That leads to better treatment decisions, safer prescribing, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients.

IMM before IME. And often, IMM before a specialist appointment. Why? Because the right information is critical to making the right decisions.

We’re keen to hear your feedback on this video newsletter format. What do you want to see more of? Let us know, and we’ll shape our content to better serve you.

Thanks for tuning in, and here’s to a strong start to the new financial year.

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