Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy and Ohio Caresource collaborate to develop Chronic Kidney Disease treatment

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy announced today that its Diplomat Health Services Division is partnering with CareSource in Ohio to slow the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with the disease. As the number of Americans with CKD continues to rise, CareSource is focused on the early identification and treatment of their patients with the illness.

"Early recognition and intervention are essential to slowing disease progression and improving outcomes," said Craig S.Thiele, MD, Chief Medical Officer, CareSource. "Collaboration and creating a communication continuum, as well as enhancing patient and physician education, goal setting, and tracking outcomes ensure success for all stakeholders."

In previous managed care group pilot studies, Diplomat's CKD Navigator(TM) Disease Management (DM) Program showed significant medication and medical costs savings while improving patient outcomes. Diplomat's CKD Navigator Program is the first comprehensive DM program that incorporates both DM and Medication Therapy Management (MTM). Medication therapy reviews, adherence tools, and lifestyle management techniques are all part of the program.

"We have demonstrated the savings. Now with the CareSource project, we plan to not only show good financial metrics, but also incorporate lifestyle information to gauge the program's health effects," said Ron Alexander, Diplomat's Vice President, Clinical Services.

On the CKD front, education is reaching physicians, legislators, and managed care companies. "CKD needs to be a central part of future public health planning, and this is a simple but effective way to help fight kidney disease within our plan," said Pam Tropiano, Vice President, Health Services, CareSource.