Cardinal Health scales referral program post-ADS acquisition

DUBLIN, Ohio – Cardinal Health has introduced ContinuCare Pathway, a pharmacy-to-supplier referral pathway program designed to help retail pharmacies seamlessly refer patients to Cardinal Health at-Home Solutions for the fulfillment and home delivery of diabetes supplies, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). 

“Providing diabetic supplies to patients covered under a medical benefit can create administrative burden on a pharmacy,” said Rob Schlissberg, president of Cardinal Health at-Home Solutions. “ContinuCare Pathway helps pharmacies and patients navigate complex insurance requirements so they can get back to what matters most – prioritizing care.” 

Cardinal Health says a smaller version of the program originated at Advanced Diabetes Supply (ADS) and has since delivered scaled growth through continued integration efforts following the acquisition of ADS in 2025. Post-acquisition, the company says ADS has leveraged its access to brand-name home health supplies to triple its diabetes product offerings through the program with plans to expand to new product categories, including urology and ostomy.      

ContinuCare Pathway in action 

As a testament to the scalability and capacity created by Cardinal Health’s acquisition of ADS, the company shared that Southeast grocery chain, Publix Super Markets, a recent new customer of its Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions business, has enrolled its entire pharmacy network in ContinuCare Pathway, representing nearly 1,400 pharmacies.  

“Pharmacies everywhere share our deep commitment to patient care,” Schlissberg said. “Those enrolled in ContinuCare Pathway recognize that home medical equipment (HME) providers like Cardinal Health at-Home Solutions are well-equipped to help these patients get the supplies they need in a timely, reliable way.”    

How the program works 

Once referred, ADS accepts the patient, verifies coverage and delivers essential products directly to patients, ensuring continuity of therapy without disruption. Patients referred to ADS automatically benefit from Cardinal Health’s at-Home Solutions supply chain – a nationwide distribution network that enables rapid home delivery of medical supplies. With the capability to reach the vast majority of covered lives nationwide, Cardinal Health at-Home Solutions can ship packages across the United States, with most deliveries typically arriving in under two days of shipment. 

“ContinuCare Pathway helps ensure patients get uninterrupted access to their medically necessary devices and supplies,” said Michael Carmody, vice president, who leads the referral pathway program. “Designed specifically to fit neatly within pharmacy workflows to support continuity of care, patients get the right supplies when and where they need them – while pharmacies feel confident about referring their patients to a supplier that holds care, timeliness and compassion above all else.” 

Who can join 

ContinuCare Pathway is available to any pharmacy nationwide – from independent retail locations to retail, mass-merchandising and grocery chains. The program can fulfill orders for patients covered under Medicare Part B, and most commercial medical and Medicare Advantage plans.