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Our work at Associates & Wilson is varied.
Some of our papers, articles and speeches are highly technical
in nature. This aspect of our business comes from our commitment
to share results so that others may consider our ideas,
refine them and use them to improve health care quality
and eliminate waste. We encourage our associates to publish
findings on diverse topics, from specific medical topics
and trends to the economics of health care. We also publish
works geared towards health care consumers, so they can
prevent illness and, if it does happen, get the best possible
treatment. These papers are easier to understand, so that
we can share the latest medical information with people
without medical backgrounds. Regardless of the audience,
all of our work is concise, intelligible, accurate, and
important. Above all, we:
- Identify problems before they get out of control.
- Lead, don't follow in finding workable solutions.
"Assessing Fracture Risk with Prescription Drugs in Medicare-Eligible Plan Members of a Telecommunications Company."
Certain drugs often used by seniors can lead to
dizziness or instability of gait, two side effects that
can bring about life-threatening falls and bone fractures.
This project identified medications that brought about these
falls and encouraged physicians to use alternative medications
with less dangerous side effects. This move saved lives
and also improved quality of life, by keeping seniors independent
and mobile.
"Comments
on the Medicare Modernization Act Proposed Rules - CMS-4068-P"
Associates & Wilson submitted this letter
to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in response
to its request for comments on its proposed rules on implementing
the Medicare Modernization Act. We focused on areas that
are often overlooked, but critical to determining claim
eligibility and selecting medications effective for each
patient. In particular, we suggested ways to obtain information
and incorporate system checks to ensure paid claims provide
cost effective and safe standards-based treatment for an
individual’s specific condition.
"Comments on the Medicare Part D Data Proposed Rules – CMS-4119-P"
Associates & Wilson collaborated with TRICAST and jointly submitted this letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in response to its request for comments. We support CMS’s effort in these proposed rules to resolve any statutory ambiguity about the rights of the Secretary of HHS to collect data, and to provide the specifics about how the data will and may be used. In addition to the data elements CMS proposes collecting, we propose collecting several other data elements. We support CMS’s proposal to add rules specifying that data may be shared with outside entities and other government agencies – as sharing of this data is critical to improving the U.S. healthcare system.
"Comments on the URAC Pharmacy Benefit Management Program Standards for the Commercial Population"
Associates & Wilson submitted this letter to URAC in response to its request for public comments on its draft pharmacy management standards for the commercial population. URAC is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes health care quality through its accreditation and certification programs. We focused on 3 specific areas:
- Rigorous standards for patient safety
- Patient data – capture and use
- Paying claims in accordance with the expressed terms for each Plan.
We suggested ways the accreditation process can help move the entire PBM industry to become a “system of care” by integrating elements such as patient data, evidence-based practice guidelines, F.D.A. approved labeling for safe and appropriate use, known contraindications, and pharmacists’ professional judgment with additional clinical elements that are yet to be discovered.
"Comments
to CMS on E-Prescribing."
This study evaluates healthcare costs for employees,
retirees and family members who have Type 2 diabetes. It
found discrepancies in treatment received. Initiatives are
in the works to address improvements to standardize medical
care.
"Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Atypical Antipsychotic Use in Employees and Retirees of a Telecommunications Company."
It takes time for medical professionals to discover
what effects a drug has on the entire body. This study confirmed
that an atypical antipsychotic given to a patient not diagnosed
with schizophrenia doubled that person’s chance of
developing diabetes. Clinical trials before FDA approval
of a drug are not sufficient.
"Dx on Rx: A Discussion Paper."
This paper explains the benefits of recording a
diagnosis (Dx) or intended use on a prescription (Rx).
When recorded electronically and used in subsequent
screening it can prevent medical errors, improve care,
remove unnecessary “noise” from the prescription drug
benefit “system,” and more.
"National Action Plan to Assure the Appropriate Use of Therapeutic Agents in the Elderly."
This paper was submitted to the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS). It details 5 important
priorities to incorporate into a national prescription drug
plan that insures elderly Americans receive appropriate
medications, without wasted dollars or dangerous side effects.
Support for "National Action Plan" - "An Example - Neurontin (gabapentin)
After submitting the previous paper in May 2002,
this paper was released to HHS in November 2002 to show
a real-life example of how the suggestions made could be
effective – and how complex some current problems
are regarding use and abuse of medications and money.
"New Onset Conditions in Untreated and Treated Self-Insured Telecommunications Company Beneficiaries with Diabetes."
This study evaluates individuals with recently
diagnosed diabetes. It looked at the difference in cardiovascular
disease and hypoglycemia in beneficiaries who were on an
antidiabetic medicine regime and those who were not. See
the surprising results.
"Prescription Drug Benefit Management: Improving Quality, Promoting Better Access and Reducing Cost."
This is a paper prepared by Associates & Wilson
on behalf of the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP)
for submission to Congress. It concludes that private companies
are able to provide healthcare at low prices without sacrificing
medical quality by using all of the management tools available
– plus a few new ones.
"Reducing Cisapride Use Through a Targeted, Evidence-Based Intervention in At Risk Retirees of a Telecommunications Company."
Certain drugs cause dangerous arrhythmia and death
in older patients. This campaign reduced the use of the
drug by almost 80%, saving numerous lives. Soon afterwards,
the FDA pulled the medication, because of the danger.
"Retiree Type 2 Diabetes Healthcare Costs for a Self-Insured Telecommunications Company."
This study investigates the average cost for beneficiaries
diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. There was a wide range of
money paid. Initiatives are underway to use this data so
that costs go down and care quality goes up.
"Type 2 Diabetes Healthcare Costs and Drug Treatment Patterns."
This study evaluates healthcare costs for employees,
retirees and family members who have Type 2 diabetes. It
found discrepancies in treatment received. Initiatives are
in the works to address improvements to standardize medical
care.
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