MedImpact Research Predicts Hospital Stays And Measures Effects Of Patient Education Among Diabetics

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 12 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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MedImpact unveiled a model that predicts the probability of inpatient hospital utilization among Medicaid recipients who suffer from diabetes. Modeling results showed that improving compliance with medications that control diabetes, along with encouraging the use of statins, may be associated with a reduction in inpatient hospitalizations. In a separate but related study, MedImpact demonstrated that education-based interventions are effective in promoting the continued use of statin therapy among diabetics.

Both studies were part of a collection of poster presentations at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 13th Annual International Conference held in Toronto, Canada this week. The event drew more than 1,600 researchers and other representatives from the health care community. ISPOR is a vital organization that supports those who study health care economics and the effects of health care interventions on patient well-being.

"Research that can help identify specific predictors of undesirable outcomes, such as future hospitalizations, is very important," said Dr. Louis Brunetti, senior vice president and chief medical officer for MedImpact. "When the health care community has a greater understanding of the factors that contribute to adverse events, we can work together to identify and implement strategies that successfully address them."

In the first MedImpact study presented at ISPOR, "Predictive Modeling for Medicaid Diabetes Patients," MedImpact researchers demonstrated that diabetics who do not take insulin or other oral medications as prescribed by their physician are up to 57 percent more likely to be hospitalized. Similarly, diabetics who do not use a statin to help control cardiovascular complications that are often associated with diabetes are 72 percent more likely to require hospitalization. Previous inpatient history was also found to be a significant predictor.

In the second study, "The Effectiveness of a Patient and Physician Educational Program in Initiating Statin Therapy among Diabetics," MedImpact found that letter-based educational programs directed to physicians and patients are effective in promoting the use of statin therapy among diabetics. In this study, researchers from MedImpact demonstrated that among diabetics who were not taking a statin, as many as 22 percent added a statin to their drug regimen after the first phase of the intervention.

"These two studies really go hand-in-hand and demonstrate our commitment and direct application to leverage MedImpact research," said Dr. Brunetti. "Our first study showed us where we needed to focus our attention to reduce the likelihood of inpatient hospitalizations among diabetics. Our second study validated the effectiveness of an educational program we designed and implemented to address the factors that contribute the need for those hospitalizations. Our solution was successful, easy and inexpensive. These are just a few examples of how MedImpact clinical research and clinical programs ultimately help our clients achieve lower net cost, higher quality of care, and increased customer satisfaction."

About MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.

MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. is the nation's largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company that does not sell drugs. Founded in 1989 and based in San Diego, California, the company currently serves 29 million individuals nationwide. MedImpact clients include Fortune 500 corporations and employers, unions, managed care organizations, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, as well as local, state and federal employee programs. MedImpact bases its success on delivering success to its clients through innovative products and services designed to lower overall client cost while increasing member satisfaction and quality of care.

MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.