Dublin, Ohio, April 23, 2013 — Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions has been named a member of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) 2013 Select Program for its efforts to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of care provided to patients who are managing complex diseases. The AHIP Select Program features companies with products and services that are designed to meet the needs of health insurance plans in a rapidly evolving healthcare marketplace.
“In today’s changing healthcare landscape, it’s now more important than ever for all players in the healthcare system to work together to deliver the best possible care to patients – while driving down costs,” said Bonnie Kitson, vice president and general manager of Payor Solutions for Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions. “The success of our Clinical Pathways programs proves the payor-physician relationship can be collaborative, and that when various stakeholders in the healthcare system work together to find common ground, we can improve the way we care for patients.”
Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions provides clinical, reimbursement and distribution services to help healthcare providers, payors and pharmaceutical manufacturers deliver quality, cost-effective care to patients with complex diseases. Since launching the industry’s first clinical pathways program for Oncology in 2008, and the first clinical pathways program for Rheumatology in 2011, Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions has partnered with nine health insurance companies to launch Clinical Pathways programs in 12 states and Washington, D.C. Its Clinical Pathways programs have also been proven to help insurers improve patient outcomes and physician engagement while reducing annual aggregate costs related to treating breast, colon and lung cancers, by as much as 10-15 percent.
“AHIP’s members are committed to strengthening affordability and quality in the health care system and to improving patient outcomes,” commented Charles Stellar, executive vice president, AHIP. “This commitment is challenging, particularly when managing complex conditions. Resources that enhance payer-provider communication, while increasing access to clinical support tools, are essential elements of success. We are pleased to feature Cardinal Health Solutions in our 2013 Select Program.”
Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions also provides proprietary technology, tools, educational programs and training to help doctors within payor networks implement and monitor use of clinical pathways. Its medical benefit management system, PathWare™ Decision Transaction Solutions, makes it easier for physicians to participate in clinical pathways programs and provides physicians with real-time decision support at the point of care, including easy access to clinical pathways for various types of cancer. The tool also removes many of the administrative burdens that are associated with treating patients whose treatment plans require specialty medications, which often require physicians to obtain approval prior to prescribing. It also captures clinical results and tracks cost savings of pathways – without additional administrative work.
About America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
AHIP is the national trade association representing the health insurance industry. AHIP's members provide health and supplemental benefits to more than 200 million Americans through employer-sponsored coverage, the individual insurance market, and public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. AHIP advocates for public policies that expand access to affordable health care coverage to all Americans through a competitive marketplace that fosters choice, quality and innovation.
About Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions
Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions provides clinical, reimbursement, technology and distribution services that help health care professionals, payers and pharmaceutical and biotech companies improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of caring for patients who are managing complex diseases. Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions helps customers alleviate day-to-day administrative burdens, optimize business functions and partner to implement new innovations that move their businesses forward. To learn more, visit www.cardinalhealth.com/specialtysolutions.
About Cardinal Health
Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a $108 billion healthcare services company that improves the cost-effectiveness of health care. As the business behind health care, Cardinal Health helps pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices focus on patient care while reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and improving quality. Cardinal Health is an essential link in the health care supply chain, providing pharmaceuticals and medical products to more than 60,000 locations each day. The company is also a leading manufacturer of medical and surgical products, including gloves, surgical apparel and fluid management products. In addition, the company supports the growing diagnostic industry by supplying medical products to clinical laboratories and operating the nation's largest network of radiopharmacies that dispense products to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ranked #21 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. More information about the company may be found at cardinalhealth.com and @CardinalHealth on Twitter.
