News Room

SAN MATEO, CALIF., APRIL 25, 2006

With Enrollment Deadline Approaching, Healthcare Professionals and Patients Remain Confused About Medicare Part D
ATimely Survey Data Revealed by Epocrates and Clinicians Available to Speak about Medicare Part D Concerns

WHAT: Epocrates, Inc. today released the results of a new survey addressing physicians’ and pharmacists’ perceptions of Medicare Part D since the program went live in January 2006. The survey of more than 1,000 physicians and pharmacists in the Epocrates Honors Panel addresses their thoughts and ongoing concerns for the millions of eligible seniors not yet enrolled.

Key Findings:

  • Healthcare professionals more informed, but remain confused – 70 percent of physicians report a better knowledge of Medicare Part D today compared to October 2005; however, more than 90 percent still find some aspects of the plan to be confusing. Understanding drug coverage and coverage gaps are the most confusing areas.
  • Seniors are seeking help – 43 percent of physicians and nearly 70 percent of pharmacists report an increase in appointments from seniors since enrollment began. Physicians report two-thirds of patients are asking for alternative drugs or changing a current prescription.
  • Patient confusion remains – Both physicians and pharmacists report that more than 95 percent of their patients remain confused over the program. Determining which plan to select is the main source of confusion for patients.
  • Increased administrative burden – More than 50 percent of pharmacists report a 40 percent increase in time spent on Medicare Part D-related administrative tasks while 70 percent of physicians report a 20 percent or more increase.
  • Concern over impact on quality care – 41 percent of physicians and 23 percent of pharmacists believe quality of care for seniors will decrease (compared to 18 percent and 8 percent, respectively, from an October 2005 survey conducted by Epocrates).
  • Time savings with Epocrates – More than 45 percent of physicians and 50 percent of pharmacists reported saving more than 20 minutes per day accessing Medicare Part D formularies through Epocrates.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) actively educate healthcare professionals about the availability of Epocrates: “We suggest that everyone writing prescriptions for people covered by Part D download the free formulary software from Epocrates…so that they don’t have to waste time selecting drugs that are covered by particular plans.” (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PRIT/)

WHO: With the pending enrollment deadline of May 15, 2006, survey participants are available to share their thoughts and concerns over the controversial new drug program.

To interview a physician or pharmacist about Medicare Part D, please contact Erica Sniad Morgenstern at 650-227-6907 or pr@epocrates.com.

*Comprehensive survey results available upon request
**Epocrates Medicare Part D resource site is available for healthcare professionals at: http://www.epocrates.com/resources/medicare-partd/


CONTACT:

Erica Sniad Morgenstern
Epocrates Public Relations
PHONE: (650) 227-6907
E-MAIL: pr@epocrates.com
WEB: www.epocrates.com