Nov. 3, 2009 (PR Newswire) --
Service to support medication adherence and provide Express Scripts members with cost- and time-saving options
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX), a provider of integrated pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services, and Greatwater Software, Inc., a provider of patient self-service solutions for the healthcare industry, today announced a program that will enable patients to review options for reducing prescription costs when checking in for appointments at their physician's office.
Under the terms of the agreement, Express Scripts will utilize Greatwater's PatientPoint(TM) kiosk platform to present its members with information regarding their prescription benefit and prescription management options such as generic drug and home delivery of medication options.
As patients bear the burden of a growing portion of their medical expenses, they are increasingly opting not to fill their prescriptions due to high out-of-pocket costs. According to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 35 percent of patients with chronic illnesses never discussed with their doctor that they planned to reduce their own medications due to escalating costs.
"Presenting consumers with prescription management options at the point of care not only promotes better prescription compliance but also empowers patients to take a more active role in managing their health," said Steve Miller, M.D., chief medical officer at Express Scripts. "Only half of all patients are estimated to take their prescriptions as prescribed by their physician. By utilizing Greatwater Software's kiosk technology, we will be able to more closely monitor prescription adherence and conversion rates, which will provide us with valuable insight into patient medication compliance."
The kiosks will engage patients in real time at the point of care to streamline practice workflow and increase the likelihood of prescription adherence. These kiosks will provide Express Scripts members with economical pharmacy options based on their specific medication regimens.
"With healthcare costs continuing to rise, our patients appreciate the chance to save money on their prescriptions while also reducing trips to the pharmacy," said Pradeep Vangala, M.D., president of Orlando Internal Medicine, a pilot site for the joint initiative. "Meanwhile, our physicians have a better understanding of patients' prescription compliance issues without having to ask a number of questions during the patient visit, resulting in greater overall efficiency."
"An increasing number of physician practices are adopting self-service for functions such as patient registration, bill payment and appointment scheduling.
