The Problem
“RX costs continue to soar”.
According to the National Coalition on Healthcare, by several measures, healthcare spending continues to increase at the fastest rate in our history. As a result employers are paying more ; their disability costs are higher; and there are major increases in lost productivity including “presenteeism” and absenteeism.
AFMC recognizes these are significant issues and has taken steps to assist employers and their employees manage one aspect of their healthcare - behavioral health expenditures - by partnering with Interface EAP.
The Solution
Interface EAP is a national firm specializing in health and organizational behavioral health programs treating individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. One of Interface’s programs, Pharmacy Intervention Protocol (PIP) patent pending, was developed as a way to better manage quality of care issues associated with the use of psychotropic drugs within the general medicine setting.
An increasing number of people are on antidepressants (the number one class of drugs prescribed in the US in 2005), but also the number of patients on these medications without proper monitoring is increasing. Nearly half of all patients did not see any type of healthcare provider for follow-up care, and only 17% were seen by a mental health provider (as reported in a 2006 study by Medco).
Interface’s PIP utilizes a unique software program to filter data from the employer’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) to identify patients being prescribed psychotropic drugs within the general medical setting (general or family practitioners).
Using a value-based plan design to motivate participation, PIP screens patients who are under-treated, have significant symptoms, and are in need of additional interventions including education, medical management, and/or psychotherapy. PIP also screens patients who are already in remission and may not need ongoing drug therapy.
Coordinated with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), PIP partners with the patient and the prescribing physician to reach a common goal: appropriate treatment. This results in reduced costs, but more importantly, healthier and more productive employees.
More Information and Quotes
To find out more how Interface’s PIP can impact your business, and for a no-obligation cost savings analysis, call AFMC Senior Sales Consultants, Judi Hayer and Larry Dennis, RHU. Judi can be reached at 602-417-2813 or by e-mail at jhayer@azfmc.com; Larry can be reached at 602-417-2301 or by e-mail at ldennis@azfmc.com.
About Arizona Foundation for Medical Care - Arizona Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC) is the largest, Arizona-based, independent healthcare network committed to providing best practices to our customers by focusing on affordable, high-quality, comprehensive care and outstanding customer service. For over 35 years, AFMC has enhanced patient's overall quality of life by offering a full array of medical management programs which include case and disease management, as well as proactive efforts, which include a Web health portal and wellness program in addition to the 24-hour nurse care line. For additional information, call 1-800-624-4277 or visit http://www.azfmc.com.
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