Portfolio Press Release
Medicare Part D Drug Plan Information Available Through Epocrates Mobile and Web Products
Clinicians are now better prepared to answer questions and support seniors
San Mateo, CA - January 5, 2005 — Epocrates Inc. announced today that it was the first to make coverage information for Medicare Part D formularies available at no cost through its mobile and web-based applications to providers. Physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can now access Medicare Part D drug coverage information quickly and easily, enabling them to more confidently address patient questions.
"We believe that the integration of Medicare Part D formulary information into our mobile and web products will save our network of 500,000 healthcare professionals a tremendous amount of time. Our customers can now answer specific questions about drug coverage for their senior patients at the point of care," said Kirk Loevner, chairman and chief executive officer of Epocrates.
The Medicare Part D prescription program currently covers 21 million of the 41 million eligible seniors. The new drug plan has been a source of confusion and concern for many seniors who are turning to their physicians and pharmacists for assistance. As a result, these professionals need to become familiar with the co-pay levels, generic drug options and coverage restrictions for the plans in their area. For each Medicare Part D plan offered in the United States, healthcare professionals can now access formulary status; drug coverage and co-payment tiers; and alternative and generic drug options.
"Many of my patients have inquired about the new Medicare Part D program and are unsure how this will impact their medical treatment. It is a great relief to know that I can rely on Epocrates to review their coverage information and discuss appropriate treatment options without spending time reading through pages and pages of data," said Alain Fedida, MD, attending cardiologist, Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center.
In addition to the Medicare Part D formularies, Epocrates products also provide benefit coverage information for more than 130 insurers in the United States, covering more than 110 million lives.
About Epocrates, Inc.
San Mateo, CA-based Epocrates is transforming the practice of medicine by providing innovative clinical solutions at the point of care and deploying leading-edge technologies that enable communication. The company has built a clinical network connecting more than 500,000 healthcare professionals, including one in four U.S. physicians and one in two U.S. medical students, with the healthcare industry. Epocrates' products have shown a positive impact on patient safety, healthcare efficiency and patient satisfaction. Epocrates was recently ranked 257 in the 24th annual Inc.500 ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. For more information about Epocrates, please visit www.epocrates.com.
Contact:
Erica Sniad
650-227-6907
pr@epocrates.com