How a GPO is solving the prior authorization crisis
Mar 2, 2026
MedicoCX is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that also provides education and operational support services for independent practices, including managing biologic operations for a growing network of 18 practices across the country. MedicoCX was facing a mounting administrative crisis: their team was spending 60-70% of their day on the phone with payers and pharmacies.
By partnering with Tandem, MedicoCX automated their pharmacy benefit workflows, reduced their team’s phone time to less than 15% of their day, and created a scalable onboarding blueprint that allows their member practices to grow without adding administrative burden.
Location
Nationwide
Size
30+ clinicians across 18+ practices
Specialty
Multispecialty
A Three-Year Search for a Viable Solution
MedicoCX is highly selective about the vendors they bring to their practices. Before discovering Tandem, they spent three years vetting specialty pharmacy solutions that promised automation but failed to deliver.
Previous solutions fell short, often failing to provide true automation or kicking back authorizations because they weren’t the one dispensing the medication. Thus, the MedicoCX team relied on manual spreadsheets and endless browser tabs to track approvals, enrollment forms, and expiration dates across all the practices they supported.
“We spent three years trying to find the right specialty pharmacy authorization solution. Everyone says they can do it until you get in there and try... Tandem was a no-brainer because they backed up the 'how' with results.”
— Briana O'Dwyer, Director at MedicoCX
A Seamless and Collaborative Workflow
Tandem provided a collaborative ecosystem where MedicoCX’s remote coordinators and on-site clinic teams could work together to eliminate administrative bottlenecks. By shifting from manual workflows to an automated system, the platform streamlined the entire lifecycle of patient access.
Key features driving efficiency:
End-to-end automation: automating data entry, submission and follow-ups for prior authorizations and appeals.
Bridge & PAP enrollment support: eliminating the need to navigate complex manufacturer websites when a patient is denied therapy.
Centralized tracking: moving from manual spreadsheets to a digital dashboard with proactive PA expiration notifications.
The impact was immediate for Dr. Naveen Sikka and US Allergy & Asthma, a founding MedicoCX practice. By automating the prior authorization process with Tandem, Dr. Sikka saw a significant increase in speed to therapy.
“Turnaround times are dramatically better with Tandem. I’m honestly not sure how they do it, but we’re getting approvals faster than we’ve ever seen before.”
— Dr. Naveen Sikka, Founder at US Allergy & Asthma
The Multiplier Effect for GPOs
For MedicoCX, Tandem isn't just a tool; it's a growth strategy. By removing the rate limiter of manual paperwork, they have successfully increased practice capacity and boosted biologic coordinator morale. Tandem is now a permanent part of the MedicoCX onboarding process for every new office that joins their network.
“Outside of discounts and rebates, GPOs should be finding solutions that benefit the practice even if there’s no financial incentive for us, because it’s the right thing to do. We want to make sure that they're presented with the right solutions that give time back and allow them to grow.”
— Briana O'Dwyer, Director at MedicoCX
Her message to other GPOs is clear: while discounts and rebates are traditional partnership offerings, the real differentiator in partnering with Tandem lies in championing operational efficiencies that enable practices to thrive.
Supporting Your Practice
If your GPO or specialty practice is ready to streamline prior authorizations and accelerate access to therapy, sign up your practice for Tandem today or book a demo to learn more.