Newton, MA, June 23, 2010. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 23.6 million children and adults in the United States—7.8% of the population—have diabetes. Medication can be an important part of the treatment plan.
Molina Healthcare and MedMinder recently launched a unique program in Virginia with the aim of helping diabetes patients better adhere to their medication regiment. Leveraging the technology provided by MedMinder Systems, patients and families are notified when medications are missed. Moreover Molina’s clinical team will be provided with the adherence reports in order to personalize intervention and tailor the medication program to the specific patient.
The MedMinder pill dispenser (named “Maya”) looks like a basic seven-day pillbox. Designed with ease of use in mind, it is simple and intuitive to use. The unit contains 28 compartments for a week’s supply of medication and can accommodate dozens of different types of pills. Maya is equipped with wireless technology that updates MedMinder’s central computer about the patient’s dosage activity. This information is available, over the web, for caregivers who can also receive immediate email or text messages notifications and weekly reports. In addition, the pill box provides optional reminders (visual and auditory prompts, phone calls) if pills are not taken on time.
“Chronically ill patients are required to stick to a complex medication regiment and they often miss dosages. Patients, families and the care team are all concerned with helping patients take medications on time and knowing if medications were taken”, said Eran Shavelsky, MedMinder CEO. “We are excited about the work we are doing with Molina as this represents a comprehensive program in which patients will be able to keep their independence. We have learned that the MedMinder reminders help our users to take their medications on time. At the same time, families and clinical team members are informed of missing dosages and are empowered to intervene in cases when more help is needed.” he concluded.
About Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, Inc. and its health plan subsidiaries provide managed care services to persons eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and other government-sponsored programs for low-income families and individuals. Molina Healthcare’s licensed health plan subsidiaries in California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington currently serve approximately 1.5 million members. Molina Healthcare also offers health information management and business process outsourcing solutions for state Medicaid programs through its subsidiary, Molina Medicaid Solutions. More information about Molina Healthcare can be obtained at www.molinahealthcare.com.
About MedMinder Systems, Inc.
MedMinder Systems, Inc., a Massachusetts based company, provides an integrated pill dispenser solution that improves medication adherence and lowers medical costs of patients with chronic conditions and complex medication regimes. For more information, please visit www.medminder.com.