New Data: Advanced Pharmacy Model Significantly Reduces Gaps in Care for Patients with Chronic and Complex Conditions; Improves Clinical and Financia...( FRANKLIN LAKES N.J. Nov. 21 /- Today ...),Health

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, prescription drugs are the first choice for medical intervention in treating 88 percent of patients suffering chronic conditions. The 50 percent of Americans treated for a chronic condition account for 96 percent of all prescription drug spending and 75 percent of all medical costs. A proprietary new pharmacy model developed over three years by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MHS) significantly reduces critical gaps in care for patients with chronic and complex diseases and lowers overall medical costs, according to an independently validated set of analyses released today.

"The data could not be more compelling. In an era where we have seen huge increases in the number of patients with chronic disease, an evidence-based protocol model leveraging the Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers(R), has proven critical to improving the effectiveness of treatment and driving down the cost of health care. We've invented an end-to-end capability that yields better outcomes, both clinically and financially," said Medco's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David B. Snow Jr.

Rigorous large-scale analyses were conducted by Medco, and the associated clinical content and general analytical processes were independently reviewed and validated by the actuarial and consulting firm, Milliman Inc.

The first analysis evaluated 600,000 patients to identify gaps in care in their treatment of diabetes, and pulmonary and heart disease. The gaps in care ranged from deviations in nationally accepted clinical protocols, including incorrect and over-prescribing, to patients failing to appropriately follow their physician's instructions.

Key findings over a 90-day study period:

• For hypertension, Medco closed 81
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