Diplomat looks to slow progression of CKD

SWARTZ CREEK, Mich. The National Kidney Foundation estimated that chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure, affects 26 million Americans, while millions more remain at risk. But a specialty pharmacy in the Midwest hopes to address the problem.

The high incidence — equal to nearly 1-in-10 people in the United States — is due in part to the diseases’ relationship with hypertension and diabetes, both of which have seen rapid increases across the country in recent years. According to the NKF, chronic kidney disease can be either a symptom of hypertension and diabetes or a cause of hypertension.

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy announced last month that its Diplomat Health Services Division would partner with Ohio-based CareSource in an effort to slow the progression of kidney disease, improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs associated with it. “Early recognition and intervention are essential to slowing disease progression and improving outcomes,” CareSource chief medical officer Craig Thiele stated. “Collaboration and creating a communication continuum, as well as enhancing patient and physician education, goal setting and tracking outcomes ensure success for all stakeholders.”

Diplomat said that in pilot studies, its CKD Navigator disease management program showed significant medication and medical cost savings while improving results among patients by incorporating medication therapy management, medication adherence tools and lifestyle management techniques.

“We have demonstrated the savings,” Diplomat VP clinical services Ron Alexander stated. “Now, with the CareSource project, we plan to not only show good financial metrics, but also incorporate lifestyle information to gauge the program’s health effects.”