UnitedHealthcare's care management solution will improve diabetes prescription drug adherence: Study

HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that UnitedHealthcare's innovative care management solution in the Phoenix market will improve diabetes prescription drug adherence. According to the recent West Health Plan Analysis, the use of non-physician, credentialed providers is intended to create virtual medical homes that allow non-traditional providers, such as pharmacists, wellness coordinators and lifestyle coaches, to recommend and coordinate necessary prescription adjustments.

Since diabetics and pre-diabetics visit these non-traditional providers more than they visit their primary-care provider, they will be able to build relationships with patients to improve prescription drug adherence and treatment compliance. As insurers look to restructure and connect with members in new ways to promote better disease control and prevention, health plans will increasingly reimburse non-traditional providers for improved drug adherence and health outcomes.

"As the claims technology for this model becomes more affordable, more insurers will follow this path to ensure that patients adhere to their prescription drugs and treatment goals," states Bill Melville, market analyst with HealthLeaders-InterStudy. "The use of non-traditional providers will make great strides in prescription drug adherence and will expand to many markets nationwide."

Other topics highlighted in the recent West Health Plan Analysis include:

• Aetna's departure from the Colorado small-group market and the effect it will have on the market's other players
• The effect of federal health reform on Medicare Part D gap coverage and commercial benefit redesign
• Major developments in pharmacy benefits in Arizona, Colorado and Nevada

Why Pharmaceutical Company Managed Markets Teams Need Health Plan Analysis

Health Plan Analysis identifies key health plan trends, allowing pharmaceutical companies to create comprehensive strategic plans and sales strategies at state and local levels. Updated quarterly, Health Plan Analysis provides a detailed look at plan design and financials, as well as information about mergers, legislation and other influencers driving healthcare in a particular region.