Baptist Health earns national recognition for pharmacy care supporting chronic, complex conditions
LA GRANGE, KY (April 22, 2025) – Baptist Health’s Central Pharmacy Services Center has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), recognizing the organization’s specialty pharmacy services for meeting high standards in patient care and safety.
“For patients who rely on specialty medications, this accreditation means they can expect a higher level of care and support when choosing Baptist,” said Nilesh Desai, chief pharmacy officer of Baptist Health. “It ensures access to expert pharmacists who are available to answer questions and help manage treatment. Patients receive timely, reliable prescription services and personalized care focused on improving their health outcomes. Medications are handled with precision, stored safely and delivered appropriately, offering peace of mind to those managing chronic or complex conditions.”
Specialty pharmacies provide medications for long-term or complex health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C and cancer. These treatments often require close monitoring, specific storage and unique administration methods like self-injection or strict dosing schedules.
Baptist Health’s specialty pharmacy team is trained to support patients at every step, offering one-on-one counseling, answering questions and helping patients manage their medications effectively.
“This designation reflects Baptist Health’s commitment to excellence for our patients and supports our continued advancement as an organization,” said Leslie Hurst, associate vice president of specialty pharmacy and PBM strategy at Baptist Health.
The health system operates two specialty pharmacy locations: one in Lexington and the other at the Central Pharmacy Services Center, which opened in August 2024 in La Grange. The $40 million, 102,000-square-foot facility supports all 10 Baptist Health hospitals across the region. Equipped with advanced technology and robotics, the center maximizes efficiency and medication safety measures, allowing pharmacists and technicians to spend more time on direct patient care.
ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986.
To learn more about Baptist Health’s specialty pharmacy services, visit Specialty Pharmacy - Baptist Health.