SACRAMENTO, CALIF., FEBRUARY 2, 2006
Two California Health Organizations Offer Medicare Part D Information to Physicians with Special Discount Program
Palm handheld computers with Epocrates software helps clinicians support patients' needs
Two California nonprofit organizations today launched a major initiative to provide the latest mobile technology to physicians and other clinicians to help them assist patients with the new Medicare prescription drug benefit program.
The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) and California Medical Association (CMA) have collaborated to offer clinicians a significant discount on Palm® handheld computers and Epocrates software that allow them to easily find the latest information on Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. The Palm handheld can be used by physicians in the exam room to select appropriate medicines from the varied and multiple formularies, check for drug interactions and find drug alternatives.
The offer consists of a Palm Z22 handheld (a $99 value) and the Epocrates Rx Pro premium software for a bundled price of $99, a nearly 40 percent discount off the regular price. This offer, which is being made through PDA Verticals, is available through the end of May 2006. The offer is designed to serve even clinicians who are new adopters of technology. Nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals who play a role in getting the latest prescription drug formulary information to patients will also benefit.
With the launch of Medicare Part D in January, Medicare recipients in California now can choose from 48 health plans. These tools will help physicians manage the volume of information needed to provide high-quality care for their patients, especially those with chronic conditions who require multiple medications.
“We are leveraging easy-to-use technology to simplify the delivery of medicine to patients,” said Jack Lewin, M.D., chief executive officer of the CMA. “This is an important step to make the Part D program safer and more efficient.”
Mark D. Smith, M.D., M.B.A., CHCF’s president and CEO, said his organization is spearheading the program because it believes that technology can positively impact the quality of health care in California. “This program provides a practical tool for clinicians so they can better help their patients to navigate through this new drug benefit program,” said Dr. Smith.
CHCF is an independent philanthropy committed to improving California’s health care delivery and financing system. For more information, go to: www.chcf.org.
The CMA is the professional organization of 35,000 California physicians from all modes of practice and specialties. For information, go to: www.cmanet.org.
For more information about the offer, go to www.pdamd.com/caoffer or call 1-800-462-0388.
Palm is a registered trademark owned by or licensed to Palm Inc.
CONTACTS: David Olmos California HealthCare Foundation PHONE: (510) 238-1040 E-MAIL: dolmos@chcf.org WEB: www.chcf.org Peter Warren California Medical Association PHONE: (310) 548-5329 E-MAIL: pwarren@cmanet.org WEB: www.cmanet.org