Methodology
Transparency about where our data comes from, how it is verified, and what happens when you run a search.
Data Sources
FormCheckRx formulary data comes from one source: the official Preferred Drug List published by each state's Medicaid authority. We do not use third-party data aggregators, commercial drug databases, or crowdsourced information.
For each verified state, a licensed PharmD reviews the official PDL and enters formulary status, prior authorization criteria, quantity limits, step therapy requirements, and carve-out classifications for every drug on the list. This is manual, expert-reviewed work — not automated scraping.
For states in active development, a proprietary multi-agent framework generates preliminary formulary data using the state's program structure, MCO landscape, and known PDL patterns. These results are clearly labeled as AI-generated and include a notice to verify with the applicable plan before clinical use.
Search Architecture
Every query passes through a layered resolution system. The layer that responds depends on what verified data exists for that drug and state.
Verification Protocol
No state is marked as Verified until a licensed PharmD has completed a full review. The process is the same for every state, every time.
Federal Safety Integration
Safety flags are applied automatically to every search result, regardless of which layer served the formulary response. Staff should not need to maintain separate safety list subscriptions.
| Database | Edition | Scope | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGS Beers Criteria | 2023 | Medications potentially inappropriate for adults 65+. Maintained by the American Geriatrics Society. Updated every three years. | 46 drugs |
| ISMP High-Alert Medications | 2024 | Drugs bearing heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Maintained by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. | 27 drugs |
| NIOSH Hazardous Drug List | 2024 | Occupational safety classifications for healthcare workers who handle, prepare, or administer these drugs. | 23 drugs |
| Narrow Therapeutic Index | Current | Drugs where small changes in concentration can lead to therapeutic failure or toxicity. Requires precise dosing and monitoring. | 11 drugs |
| FDA REMS Programs | Current | Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies including prescriber certification, pharmacy certification, and patient enrollment requirements. | 52 programs |
| ISMP LASA Pairs | 2024 | Look-alike/sound-alike drug name pairs that can be confused during prescribing, dispensing, or administration. | 41 pairs |
Data Corrections
If you believe a FormCheckRx result is incorrect, a Report Incorrect Data option is available on every search result. Reports are reviewed by our pharmacist within one business day. Confirmed corrections are applied immediately and logged in our immutable audit trail.
We maintain a complete history of every formulary status change, including the previous value, new value, source of change, and timestamp. This audit trail is available to enterprise clients on request.
To report a data issue directly: [email protected]