Premera Announces Notable Results from Prescription Drug Safety Program

Polypharmacy Analysis Indicates Reduced ER Visits, Fewer Hospitalizations, and
Lower Healthcare Costs
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash.--(Business Wire)--
Emergency room visits and hospitalizations fell among patients who received
medication safety education, according to an analysis of Premera Blue Cross`s
nationally recognized Polypharmacy Program.

In a recent two-year assessment of nearly 13,000 Premera members, Seattle-based
health services researchers observed a 1.2 percentage point decrease in persons
having ER visits and a 1 percentage point decrease in persons having
hospitalizations after members were mailed a simple brown bag with a set of
instructions.

PATIENT SAFETY IS THE GOAL

Patients were asked to fill the brown bag with all their prescriptions,
over-the-counter medications, and supplements and to take the bag to their next
doctor`s appointment for review. Premera had found many of its members not only
were receiving multiple medications but also had multiple doctors. By putting
all the drugs in one place, a provider could assess the appropriateness of the
medications and change dosages if necessary.

The new analysis, whose key findings are now being released, noted that pharmacy
utilization did increase after the program materials were mailed. A reduction in
total healthcare costs was also observed by Premera based on a review of
relevant claims data.

However, Ed Wong, Premera`s vice president of Pharmacy Services, points out that
the Polypharmacy Program was never intended to save money on drug costs. "The
goal of this program has always been patient safety," says Wong. "Our intention
with this brown bag review is for patients to get a better assortment of drugs
and suffer fewer adverse reactions."

Premera has mailed out approximately 150,000 bags since the program began in
2001. The bags are sent to members in Washington, Oregon and Alaska who are 19
and older and who are taking five or more drugs daily over a three-month period
for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol.

ANALYSIS INDICATES DECREASED HOSPITALIZATIONS

In one of the key observations, the researchers found that 22.8 percent of the
patients had gone to the emergency room in the year before they had received
their brown bags, while 21.6 percent went during the year after they had taken
part in the program. Meanwhile, 12.9 percent had been hospitalized the year
prior to the program, compared to 11.9 percent the year after.

The program has drawn national media coverage and has been highlighted in an
advertising campaign by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. In annual
surveys, an average 51 percent of respondents since 2001 have reported
undergoing a medication review, while 51 percent said they found the
informational brochures in the bags to be somewhat to very valuable.

"This is very helpful. I know somebody cares. Also, my doctor is more on the
ball because of this," said one member.

Another said, "Thanks for caring about my medications. Taking them correctly
makes me feel great! My doctors are in touch with each other and all agree that
my medications are fine and do not react poorly with other conditions. They have
taught me what times of the day each medication should be taken and what foods
to avoid or take with each one."

And, "It was definitely helpful. I knew I needed a list but hadn`t made one. It
gave me the incentive to do so, and I actually needed to use it several times
right after that. Thank you!"

EMPHASIS ON PATIENT-DOCTOR COMMUNICATION

Premera officials emphasized that it is up to the individual member to decide
whether to take the brown bag to his or her provider. The health carrier does
not get in the way of the patient-doctor relationship; it only enables the
conversation, officials noted.

The recent results are yet another indication that the brown bag approach to
polypharmacy is working.

As researchers at Harvard Medical School wrote a few years ago, "By bringing
intervention to the most effective point in the healthcare system -
conversations between patients and their physicians - the program helps prevent
errors with prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications and
herbal supplements. Premera`s plan emphasizes a review of all types of
medication, which is significant because patients often do not discuss
non-prescription drugs and supplements with their doctors. This is a simple, yet
effective program."

Premera`s Polypharmacy Program is endorsed by the Washington State Medical
Association (WSMA) and the Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH), and by
the Oregon Medical Association (OMA) and Alaska State Medical Association (ASMA)
in their states.

About Premera Blue Cross

Our mission is to provide peace of mind to our members about their healthcare
coverage. We provide health insurance and related services to 1.5 million people
in Washington and Alaska. Premera Blue Cross has operated in Washington since
1933, and Alaska since 1952. Premera Blue Cross is an independent licensee of
the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Premera Blue Cross is a member of a family of companies based in Mountlake
Terrace, Washington, that provide health, life, vision, dental, and long-term
care insurance, and other related services, in multiple western states.

Premera Blue Cross
Eric Earling, Media Relations Manager
Office: 425-918-3297
Cell: 425-205-3364
or
Jodi Coffey, Communications Director
Office: 425-918-5953
Cell: 425-280-4200

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