Integrated Research Network
WellPoint is working with physicians and other providers through the Integrated Research Network® (IRN), created by our subsidiary, HealthCore, to conduct research to improve the health of members in our affiliated health plans. The IRN® will allow for the merger of prospective data collected by physicians and observational data derived from medical and pharmacy claims to provide us with more realistic information about the clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness and safety of medical products and devices in different populations. HealthCore intends to publish as many of the IRN® studies as possible to share these results with the health care community.
Patient Safety First
Providing access to safe and effective health care requires collaboration with our health care partners. Our California health plan teamed with the state’s three regional hospital associations and the National Health Foundation to launch a three-year, $6 million initiative aimed at improving the quality of patient care in a cost-effective manner. Patient Safety First…a California Partnership for Health includes more than 150 hospitals and over 1,600 clinical participants who have committed to share best practices in patient safety.
MyHealth Advantage
Through proactive, targeted messaging to members and physicians, the MyHealth Advantage program is improving quality and reducing the cost of care. Commercial members who received MyHealth Advantage as a component of their disease management program were 41 percent more likely to receive care compliant with clinical guidelines. This improved care resulted in incremental cost-of-care savings of $0.49 per member per month. Savings are nearly twice as high in a senior population.
Outcomes-based formulary
Our outcomes-based formulary uses “real world” data to make formulary decisions for our members which are intended to help improve clinical health outcomes, quality of life, and productivity while reducing overall pharmacy and medical costs. Our researchers evaluate outcomes that matter to patients by critically reviewing clinical trial data, as well as data on how drugs perform after use in broader populations. Our evaluation of two drugs used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed that these drugs resulted in fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
