Pfizer And Lockheed Martin Will Test Disease Management Program
Executive Summary
Pfizer expects to have results from a study of its "Know Your Health" disease management program in Lockheed Martin employees by March 2005
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Pfizer expects to have results from a study of its "Know Your Health" disease management program in Lockheed Martin employees by March 2005. The study will evaluate "how well the program improves control of blood sugar and blood pressure level, medication compliance, disease knowledge and self-care" of participating Lockheed employees, Pfizer said in announcing the partnership. The initiative will also "examine the potential effects of these programs on health care utilization and improved productivity." Participants in the study are Lockheed employees with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension uncontrolled within the previous six months. The subjects were randomized either to receive Know Your Health materials or maintain their current services. The outcomes study began in October 2003 and will run through 2004. "Pfizer's Know Your Health materials promote proper exercise, healthy eating, how to take medication properly and the importance of regular monitoring of blood sugar and blood pressure levels. They also encourage better patient communication with physicians," the company said. The overall goal is to "drive better health outcomes" and "realize health care savings." Pfizer is calling for a shift in the debate about health care costs from the cost of care to the cost of the disease. Pfizer has also said it is looking to evolve beyond the business model of a typical pharmaceutical company to become a "health care company, providing solutions to physicians, patients, providers and reducing the prevalence and cost of disease" (1 (Also see "Pfizer “Evolves” From Rx To Health Care Company: Fla. Medicaid Is Blueprint" - Pink Sheet, 19 Jan, 2004.), p. 19). Following the example set by its disease management agreement with Florida Medicaid, the company said it would pursue "creative" agreements with both public and private payors. Pfizer negotiated the Florida agreement in 2001 when the state began seeking supplemental rebates under Medicaid (2 (Also see "Pfizer Florida Formula: Free Goods In Exchange For Formulary Status" - Pink Sheet, 21 May, 2001.), p. 4). The agreement was renewed in September 2003 with Pfizer increasing the annual guaranteed savings to the state by 36% (3 (Also see "Florida Gets 36% Raise From Pfizer Under New Disease Management Contract" - Pink Sheet, 29 Sep, 2003.), p. 10). |