ASCENDpbm Launches Algorithm to Link Work Productivity to Healthcare Outcomes and Value

Announcing a breakthrough value equation giving employers insight on specialty healthcare investments

Read the article here or below.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., September 11, 2019 (Newswire.com) - Suboptimal health is costing U.S. employers billions annually. Absenteeism, related to poor health, costs American employers an astounding $225.8 billion annually. The cost of healthcare continues to rise with the cost of employee health benefits, expected to near $15,000 on average in 2019.

Cost alone does not translate to value in healthcare. Most businesses carefully track direct health-related costs. However, many have no method for analyzing the numerous factors that may influence the corresponding value of these expenditures, positively or negatively. Given their substantial financial investment into employee health, employers are justified in asking whether healthcare expenditures contribute to improved employee health and productivity, as well as to the bottom line.

The HERO Score provides employers the insight needed to achieve the health outcomes most important to their unique workforce. By distilling a multitude of health outcome variables into a simple, easy-to-interpret value score, employers can see how their healthcare investments affect employee productivity and provide value to their organization.

ASCENDpbm has aligned with OptiMed Health Partners to utilize the Health Economics Return & Outcomes (HERO) Score and assist employers in evaluating the return on healthcare dollars invested. This measured score critically assesses the value provided from specialty pharmaceuticals, which are a major force driving pharmacy benefit costs.

“Unlike absenteeism, presenteeism isn’t always apparent. You know when someone doesn’t show up for work, but you often can’t tell when — or how much — an illness or a medical condition hinders someone’s performance".

Download the paper here. Learn more about Harmonize.Healthcare applying novel care strategies to positively impact your organization, maintaining clear and timely communication between stakeholders, performing targeted interventions, and utilizing advanced analytics to monitor performance in real-time; the Harmonize.Healthcare network has the potential to truly revolutionize employee health and productivity.

About ASCENDpbm: ASCENDpbm is a prescription benefit management organization that is disrupting the status quo by reducing healthcare costs using transparency, technology, appropriate utilization, and improved patient outcomes. To learn more about ASCENDpbm, visit www.ascendpbm.com.

About Harmonize.Healthcare:  Harmonize.Healthcare exists to provide a transparent and patient-focused network of premier healthcare innovators collaborating to disrupt traditional models of healthcare delivery. The Initiative is essential in helping employers understand the outcomes of their healthcare decisions and optimize the delivery of effective value-based healthcare services to their workforce. To learn more about Harmonize.Healthcare and their initiatives, visit HARMONIZE.HEALTHCARE.

Source: ASCENDpbm

OptiMed Announced This Year's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan

Top remarks in employee achievement, recognition, communication, and shared vision

KALAMAZOO, Mich., June 14, 2019 (Newswire.com) - ​​OptiMed Health Partners was recently named one of “West Michigan’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For®.” This awards competition recognizes those companies that deliver exceptional human resource practices, innovative solutions, and an impressive commitment to their employees, creating richer lives and building a stronger workplace.​

Consecutively for three years in a row, OptiMed Health Partners has been awarded this prestigious national honor with top remarks in employee achievement, recognition, communication, and shared vision. Additional categories include enrichment, engagement, retention, diversity and inclusion, and strategic company performance. OptiMed is an independent health provider of pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and infusion services – serving patients nationwide in all 50 states. For more than 25 years, OptiMed has supported people with complex and chronic conditions by ensuring patients receive the proper treatment at the right time.

OptiMed has been working hard to make a difference in our employees' lives and enhance their work experience. With company-wide pride, a commitment to patient care, and a knack for solving overlooked healthcare challenges, we're setting a new standard for the people we partner with and the patients we care for.

Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO

An independent research firm evaluates each company’s entry based on key measures in various categories. They include Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement, and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection, and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance and the Best of the Best Small Business, Medium Business, and Large Business. 

Driven to improve health care, OptiMed enhances the patient experience by optimizing health outcomes and quality of life through personalized, coordinated care and excellent service. Their care team is trained in the complexity of specialty medications, patient safety, and quality. Some medications require complex documentation for costs to be covered. OptiMed's care team investigates prescription and healthcare insurance benefits, so there are no surprises regarding treatment costs.

“We are honored to recognize the efforts of this year’s 'Best and Brightest' companies. These companies have created impressive organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management. This award has become a designation sought after by hundreds of West Michigan companies and is a powerful recruitment tool in the drive to attract and retain exceptional employees,” said Jennifer Kluge, President, and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

These medications treat complex chronic diseases and require specialized handling and administration as part of their distribution process. OptiMed is dual-accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) to handle high-cost or high-risk medications that treat complex medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, immunodeficiency, hepatitis C and more. OptiMed is a resource – not just a supplier of medication – and offers a variety of benefits to patients, including free delivery of all medication and supplies, proactive refills, and financial support services.

The winning companies also compete for 13 elite awards, one granted for each category. Also, an overall winner that has excelled in all categories will be honored with a “Best of the Best Overall” award. The elite award winners will be revealed during the luncheon.

Winners are pooled by the size of their company. Employers with 100 or fewer employees are benchmarked together and are classified as Small Business; 101-300 employees are benchmarked together and are classified as Medium Business; employers with more than 301 employees are benchmarked together and are classified as Large Business. No matter their size, all companies can be a Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®, resulting in Better Business, Richer Lives, and Stronger Communities.

The annual symposium and awards program began with registration, networking, and exhibit gallery preview at 8:00 a.m., followed by education. The breakfast and awards presentation was emceed by Juliet Dragos of WZZM 13 News and Steve Kelly of NewsRadio WOOD 1300. West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is sponsored by BASIC, Baudville Brands, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, ABC 13 News, Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Davenport University, DTE Energy, Kelly Services, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, The Employers' Association, National Diagnostic Services, Consumers Credit Union, Paylocity, Schupan & Sons, and SpartanNash.

About OptiMed:  OptiMed Health Partners, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an independently owned and operated national healthcare organization. With over 25 years of experience, OptiMed leverages personalized attention to detail to deliver customized solutions that optimize patient outcomes while partnering with other healthcare organizations to usher in a new standard of excellence. To learn more about OptiMed’s innovative and personalized care, email connect@optimedhealthpartners.com.

About Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®​:  This program allows the business community to gain recognition, showcase their best practices, and demonstrate why they are an ideal place for employees to work. This national program celebrates those companies making better business, creating richer lives, and building a stronger community. It is presented annually in several markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, West Michigan, and nationally. Nominations are now being accepted. Visit www.thebestandbrightest.com to obtain an application.

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy Receives Full URAC Specialty Pharmacy ReAccreditation

Highlighting OptiMed's safe pharmacy practices and quality patient care

KALAMAZOO, Mich., November 28, 2018 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Health Partners announced that it was awarded an additional three-year specialty pharmacy accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C., health care accrediting organization that assesses quality standards for the health care industry. URAC’s specialty pharmacy accreditation symbolizes excellence for organizations to showcase their commitment to quality and accountability.

“OptiMed is pleased to receive this accreditation from URAC, as it highlights our commitment to delivering excellence and value from the specialty pharmacy services we provide to our diverse client base,” said OptiMed Founder and CEO Andrew Reeves R.Ph. “As the industry brings more life-changing and often costly therapies to the specialty market, it is our responsibility and honor to provide stakeholders a meaningful measure to determine the value of these medications.”

Delivering more than just medications, OptiMed provides patients with comprehensive care, clinical management, insurance investigators, resources, and tailored support services. OptiMed’s clinical pharmacists, with advanced training, coach patients through their treatment journey. Licensed, certified pharmacy technicians promote adherence, safety, and quality while essential patient support personnel create a positive, lasting impact on patient’s lives. OptiMed is best-in-class for chronic and rare specialty diseases such as Crohn’s, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy also holds specialty pharmacy accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and is licensed to provide services to patients nationwide.

“It’s necessary for specialty pharmacies to provide a higher level of patient treatment to achieve desired outcomes. OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy shows a dedication to patient education and safety through the recognition of quality it received with URAC’s independent accreditation,” said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. “With URAC accreditation, people know that OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy strives to adhere to industry best practices."

URAC promotes a high standard of pharmacy quality and patient care through the standardization of processes and a drive for continuous quality improvement. Accreditation reinforces best clinical and organizational practices for ensuring appropriate and safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Evidence of therapy counseling, disease education, care coordination, comprehensive patient education, and adherence management is critical for assuring successful patient medication therapy management and safety – and all are standards validated by URAC’s specialty pharmacy accreditation.

“We are extremely pleased to have achieved this designation,” said OptiMed's Director of Pharmacy, Jessica Ninke, PharmD. “Accreditation is a rigorous process that we welcome as a continuous quality improvement mechanism. Earning URAC full specialty pharmacy re-accreditation is another measure of our continued excellence as a premier provider of specialized pharmacy services. It reflects our commitment to our patients, as well as our health care providers and partners.”

About OptiMed:  OptiMed Health Partners, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an independently owned and operated national healthcare organization. With over 25 years of experience, OptiMed leverages personalized attention to detail to deliver customized solutions that optimize patient outcomes while partnering with other healthcare organizations to usher in a new standard of excellence. To learn more about OptiMed’s innovative and personalized care, email connect@optimedhealthpartners.com.

About URAC:  Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in advancing healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement, and innovation. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs that reflect the latest changes in health care and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability. URAC’s evidence-based measures and standards are developed through inclusive engagement with various stakeholders committed to improving healthcare quality. For more information, visit www.URAC.org.

Source: OptiMed Health Partners

OptiMed Health Partners and PotentiaMetrics Launch a Disruptive Cancer Outcomes Platform

MyCancerJourney empowers patients with actionable information to improve the patient's experience and outcomes in cancer treatment

KALAMAZOO, Mich., October 17, 2018 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Health Partners, a Kalamazoo, Michigan based Specialty Pharmacy and Infusion healthcare provider, announced it has partnered with PotentiaMetrics data and artificial intelligence company to launch MyCancerJourney, a shared decision-making platform for cancer treatments.

MyCancerJourney was developed with researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to provide patient-specific survival estimates and improve the health outcomes of patients with cancer.

OptiMed Health Partners will be able to enhance the value of their oncology care program for their patients and clients by offering this personalized medical information platform for their patients. Patients can make better treatment decisions with their healthcare providers and improve their treatment experience during their cancer treatment journey.

“We are thrilled to work alongside OptiMed. Both of our companies are focused on personalized approaches to healthcare that lead to improved outcomes and better value. Together, we will provide personalized information to patients and address the high cost of cancer treatment in a meaningful way,” says Robert Palmer, CEO of PotentiaMetrics.

“We are excited to include this innovative platform (MyCancerJourney) to our arsenal of tools to improve patient outcomes in cancer and add real value to the healthcare ecosystem. I have seen many analytical and AI healthcare solutions, but MyCancerJourney is one of the very few solutions that live up to the hype and gets me excited about the future of healthcare,” says OptiMed CEO Andy Reeves. 

About PotentiaMetrics: PotentiaMetrics develops unique outcomes and insights solutions to support more informed, value-based treatment decisions that lead to better outcomes and reduced costs. To learn more about PotentiaMetrics, visit www.potentiametrics.com, or to learn more about MyCancerJourney, visit www.mycancerjourney.com.

About OptiMed Health Partners: OptiMed Health Partners, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is dually accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and URAC, specializes in treatments for rare and chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, oncology, psoriasis and more. The organization has decades of experience offering personalized solutions that bring meaningful value to stakeholders.

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy Partners With PMD Healthcare to Offer Patient Care Coordination Hub

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy will partner with PMD Healthcare to offer a strategic hub service that expedites and streamlines patient and provider access to PMD Healthcare's personal spirometer, Spiro PD 2.0, and wellness management services.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, September 19, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy will partner with PMD Healthcare to offer a strategic hub service that expedites and streamlines patient and provider access to PMD Healthcare’s personal spirometer, Spiro PD 2.0, and wellness management services. 

A spirometer is a medical device used to measure lung function for a variety of diseases, including, but not limited to, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung transplant. Historically, this type of testing could only be conducted using larger equipment in a medical office. Spiro PD 2.0, however, allows patients to perform this important testing anytime and anywhere using a small, easy-to-use hand-held device. The device also provides patient reminders and alerts to help improve medication adherence.

​OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy will serve as the conduit between PMD Healthcare and the patient and payer by performing essential patient services such as insurance benefit verification, prior authorization support, patient assistance program administration, and care coordination, ensuring that product fulfillment and delivery is simple, efficient, and effective for patients.  

“At OptiMed, we see this strategic partnership as a natural fit with our mission to focus on small details that impact the patient experience and to leverage this personalized attention to detail to deliver customized solutions that optimize patient outcomes,” said Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO of OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy.

​OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy is devoted to optimizing health outcomes and quality of life through personalized and coordinated care and excellent service. OptiMed has 20+ years of experience collaborating with providers, payers, healthcare systems, and manufacturers and is one of the first 100 specialty pharmacies in the nation to be dually accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and URAC. For more information, call 877-232-2857.

Inc. Magazine Names OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy One of the Country's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

OptiMed ranked No. 729 out of 5,000 independent small and mid-sized businesses considered some of the most successful companies in the country. OptiMed placed No. 12 in the State of Michigan and No. 56 in the top health care firms.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., August 30, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Inc. magazine named OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy one of 2017’s fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

OptiMed ranked No. 729 out of 5,000 independent small and mid-sized businesses considered some of the most successful companies in the country. Microsoft, Dell, Zillow and other well-known businesses have been awarded this prestigious recognition in the past. OptiMed placed No. 12 in the State of Michigan and No. 56 in the top health care firms.

“We are honored to be awarded this distinction," said Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO of OptiMed. "Our growth is a direct reflection of our ability to address the health care market’s demand for patient-centered care models that deliver measurable value. We look forward to continuing to be a nationwide pioneer of innovative and collaborative health care services."

The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue is estimated at $206 billion, and the companies collectively generated 619,500 jobs over the past three years. The average company on the list achieved a staggering three-year average growth of 481%.

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy is devoted to optimizing health outcomes and quality of life through personalized and coordinated care and excellent service. With over 20 years of experience providing specialty pharmacy services and health care collaboration, OptiMed is dually accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and URAC.

West Michigan produces 29 of fastest-growing private companies in US

A local financial services firm is the No. 10 fastest-growing private company in the nation and the first among Michigan companies named to the 2017 “Inc. 5000” ranking.

Inc. magazine annually ranks the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. based on revenue growth over the previous three years.

Grand Rapids-based FormulaFolio Investments earned the No. 10 spot on the ranking this year, with a growth rate of 13,926.81 percent and revenue of $17.2 million. This is the third straight year the company has made the Inc. ranking, climbing from No. 944 in 2015 to No. 15 in 2016.

Other highly ranked West Michigan companies this year include Boost Marketing Group at No. 49, Fifth Wheel Freight at No. 168 and Mobile Defenders at No. 214.

This year, 101 Michigan companies made the "Inc. 5000," down from 118 last year and 110 in 2015.

Growth by industry

According to Inc., this year’s ranking shows the nation’s fastest-growing industry is travel and hospitality, with a growth rate of 201 percent, followed by media, with a growth rate of 198 percent, and energy, with a growth rate of 174 percent.

Growth by state

The fastest-growing state based on the ranking is California, followed by Texas and Florida, and the fastest-growing metro is New York, followed by Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

West Michigan companies in the 2017 “Inc. 5000”

10. FormulaFolio Investments, Grand Rapids, 13,926.81% growth, $17.2M revenue, financial services

49. Boost Marketing Group, Ada, 6,269.28% growth, $11M revenue, advertising and marketing

168. Fifth Wheel Freight, Grand Rapids, 2,463% growth, $9.8M revenue, logistics and transportation

214. Mobile Defenders, Kentwood, 2,019% growth, $35.8M, telecommunications

572. Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, Grand Rapids, 791% growth, $19.1M revenue, health

729. OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy, Kalamazoo, 628% growth, $70.7M revenue, health

1,060. Finix, Grand Rapids, 399% growth, $7M revenue, health

1,071. IP Consulting, Kentwood, 395% growth, $11.1M revenue, IT services

1,309. Sports Addix, Lowell, 312% growth, $3.3M revenue, consumer products and services

1,346. Workbox Staffing, Grand Rapids, 303% growth, $48.4M revenue, human resources

1,552. Creative Studio Promotions, Grand Rapids, 258% growth, $2.4M revenue, advertising and marketing

1,654. Spice Jungle, Rockford, 237% growth, $4.7M revenue, food and beverage

2,745. Pro-Vision, Byron Center, 125% growth, $13.2M revenue, manufacturing

2,758. Blackford Capital, Grand Rapids, 124% growth, $6.1M revenue, financial services

3,017. Flat River Group, Belding, 110% growth, $50.7M revenue, logistics and transportation

3,070. Reliable Relamping, Saranac, 108% growth, $18.8M revenue, energy

3,120. Worksighted, Holland, 105% growth, $10.2M revenue, IT services

3,301. Grand Transformers, Grand Haven, 96% growth, $29.1M revenue, manufacturing

3,436. Sun Title Agency, Grand Rapids, 91% growth, $7.9M, real estate

3,459. The Service Professor, Grand Rapids, 90% growth, $6.1M revenue, consumer products and services

3,780. AmeriFirst Home Mortgage, Kalamazoo, 78% growth, $82.8M revenue, financial services

4,083. Peacock Real Estate, Morley, 68% growth, $20.3M revenue, real estate

4,284. EBW Electronics, Holland, 61% growth, $43.8M revenue, manufacturing

4,497. Grand Equipment Company, Hudsonville, 55% growth, $35.6M revenue, construction

4,532. Service Express, Grand Rapids, 54% growth, $70.4M revenue, IT services

4,585. USA Financial, Ada, 53% growth, $37.9M revenue, financial services

4,702. Edgewater Automation, St. Joseph, 49% growth, $35.3M revenue, manufacturing

4,711. Custom Profile, Grand Rapids, 49% growth, $40.6M revenue, manufacturing

4,858. Quality Aluminum Products, Hastings, 45% growth, $41.7M revenue, manufacturing

OptiMed Health Partners' CEO to Speak About Industry Collaboration, Integrated Care Approaches at PBM Contracting Summit

The PBM Contracting Summit shares insights into the latest market and legal complexities affecting PBM contract negotiations

KALAMAZOO, Mich., August 11, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Andy Reeves, RPh, OptiMed Health Partners CEO, will be a keynote speaker at the 3rd annual PBM Contracting Summit to take place August 22-23, 2017, at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago. His topic of discussion will be Industry Collaboration and Integrated Care Approaches to Achieve Value.

“I’m honored to have been invited to speak at this great event,” said Reeves. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning new perspectives on how to collaborate to increase value in the healthcare market.”

The PBM Contracting Summit, sponsored by CBI, shares insights into the latest market and legal complexities affecting PBM contract negotiations. Other topics of discussion will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• enhancing the financial value of contracts by gaining a deeper understanding of issues like DIR fees

• pricing transparency

• specialty drugs

• privacy and data considerations

• value-based contracts

Representatives from PBMs, health plans, retail pharmacies, and specialty pharmacies will be in attendance.

About OptiMed Health Partners: OptiMed Health Partners is an independently owned national healthcare organization headquartered in Kalamazoo, Mich., and is the parent company consisting of OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy and OptiMed Infusion Services. For more information about OptiMed, visit www.optimedhp.com or call 877-232-2857.

About CBI: CBI, a division of UBM Americas, is the life sciences industry leader in providing thought leadership, actionable data, benchmarking, case studies, and regulatory information through a dynamic conference platform that facilitates innovation, collaboration, and elevation across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare industries. For information about the PBM Contracting Summit, visit www.cbinet.com.

OptiMed Health Partners to Distribute New ALS Drug

Radicava is the first ALS treatment option approved in more than 20 years.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, August 10, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Health Partners will distribute and administer the newly approved Radicava (edaravone) for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Radicava, manufactured by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma American, Inc., was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and is the first ALS treatment option approved in more than 20 years.

ALS is a rare, progressive disease that attacks and kills the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles produce movements such as chewing, walking, breathing and talking. When nerve cells lose the ability to activate specific muscles, the muscles weaken which may lead to paralysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Americans have ALS. Radicava is an intravenous infusion that will be administered by OptiMed’s infusion professionals.

“This is the first new medication to treat ALS in decades and we are very excited about the potential this medication has to positively impact the care of patients with this debilitating disease,” said Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO of OptiMed Health Partners. “This new treatment option aligns well with our commitment to optimizing patient outcomes and advancing care.”

OptiMed Health Partners is the parent organization of OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy and OptiMed Infusion Services, located in Kalamazoo, Mich. OptiMed works collaboratively with patients and prescribers to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care, ensuring that medications such as Radicava are administered safely and appropriately for each patient. Patients are provided with customized education, access to financial assistance, and ongoing monitoring and support.

OptiMed holds dual specialty pharmacy accreditations from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and URAC as well as Ambulatory Infusion Center and Infusion Pharmacy accreditations from ACHC.

For more information, contact OptiMed at 877-232-2857 or visit www.optimedspecialtyrx.com.

OptiMed Infusion Services Achieves ACHC Accreditation

The center is the first and only freestanding AIC in southwest Michigan, providing patients, healthcare providers, and payers with a new option for outpatient infusions that is safe, convenient, and cost-effective.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, July 5, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Infusion Services, owned by OptiMed Health Partners, recently achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for its Ambulatory Infusion Center (AIC) and Home Infusion Services.   

OptiMed’s AIC is a state-of-the-art facility directed by a multi-disciplinary medical team experienced in complex intravenous therapies. The center is the first and only freestanding AIC in southwest Michigan, providing patients, healthcare providers, and payers with a new option for outpatient infusions that is safe, convenient, and cost-effective.

ACHC accreditation reflects a healthcare organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting industry standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

“Achieving ACHC accreditation is not required, however, OptiMed did so to demonstrate our commitment to these standards and to our mission of providing excellence and quality in healthcare,” said Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO of OptiMed Health Partners. OptiMed also maintains ACHC and URAC accreditation for its specialty pharmacy line of business.

ACHC is an ISO 9001:2008 certified, non-profit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986.

OptiMed Health Partners is the parent company consisting of OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy and OptiMed Infusion Services.

For more information, to refer a patient, schedule an infusion, or contract your health plan, call OptiMed Infusion Services at 877-232-2857.

OptiMed Health Partners Opens New Ambulatory Infusion Center

The ambulatory infusion center is the first and only freestanding ambulatory infusion center in southwest Michigan available to patients receiving out-patient infusion therapy.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, June 26, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Health Partners, owner of OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy and OptiMed Infusion Services, recently opened a new ambulatory infusion center located within its specialty pharmacy headquarters at 6480 Technology Avenue, Kalamazoo, Mich. The center is the first and only freestanding ambulatory infusion center in southwest Michigan available to patients receiving outpatient infusion therapy.

OptiMed’s ambulatory infusion center is a state-of-the-art facility directed by a multi-disciplinary medical team experienced in complex intravenous therapies. The center provides patients, healthcare providers, and payers with a new option for outpatient infusions that is safe, convenient, and cost-effective.

“We are committed to optimizing patient outcomes across the treatment continuum,” said Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO of OptiMed Health Partners. “We’re very excited about the new infusion center and how it augments our specialty and home infusion lines of business to offer another cost-effective option for patient-centered care.”

The infusion center offers a variety of amenities such as complementary Wi-Fi, personal streaming devices, curbside parking, and flexible scheduling to increase convenience and comfort for patients. 

The center is one of many value-based initiatives being launched by OptiMed Health Partners. “Our goal is to maximize the value of healthcare through appropriate site-of-care management and by providing optimal treatment to patients while allowing them to live their lives as normally as possible,” said Reeves.

OptiMed utilizes a “360-degree” approach to patient care throughout all lines of business. This integrated approach involves viewing the patient as a “whole” to develop a comprehensive care plan, taking into account all variables that influence patient health. For more information, call OptiMed Infusion Services at 877-232-2857.

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy to Distribute New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug

OptiMed will dispense the newly approved Kevzara (sarilumab) for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, June 19, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy will dispense the newly approved Kevzara (sarilumab) for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to other disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, joint damage, and disability. Kevzara is an injectable interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist that can be given alone or in combination with other anti-rheumatic medication. The agent is being co-marketed by Sanofi and Regeneron.

“We are excited to have another treatment option for patients suffering from this often debilitating disease,” said Andy Reeves, RPh, OptiMed CEO. “RA can be a difficult condition to treat, and having newer therapies with varying mechanisms of action is proving helpful for our patients.”

Specialty medications, such as Kevzara, may require extra monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness. OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy works collaboratively with patients and prescribers to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care, ensuring that the medication is administered safely and appropriately for each patient. Patients are provided with customized education, access to financial assistance and ongoing monitoring and support. OptiMed holds dual specialty pharmacy accreditations from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and URAC.

For more information, contact OptiMed at 877-232-2857 or visit www.optimedhp.com.

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy Named One of "West Michigan's Best & Brightest Companies to Work For"

OptiMed is being recognized for delivering exceptional human resource practices, innovative solutions, and an impressive commitment to their employees

Kalamazoo, Michigan, April 27, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy was recently named one of “West Michigan’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For®.” This awards competition recognizes those companies that deliver exceptional human resource practices, innovative solutions, and an impressive commitment to their employees, creating richer lives and building a stronger workplace.

An independent research firm evaluated applicants on several criteria, some of which included Compensation; Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment; Engagement & Retention; Employee Education and Development; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Diversity and Inclusion; Work/Life Balance; and many more.  

“OptiMed has been working hard to make a difference in our employees’ lives and enhance their work experience,” said CEO Andy Reeves, RPh. “With company-wide pride, a commitment to patient care, and a knack for solving overlooked healthcare challenges, we’re setting a new standard for the people we partner with and the patients we care for.”  

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy will be honored at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 3rd at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.

OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy CEO Receives Excellence in Innovation Award

Award Highlights Pharmacy Pioneers Re-Energizing the Profession to Meet the Healthcare Needs of Tomorrow's Patients

Kalamazoo, Michigan, April 25, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy is proud to announce that its CEO, Andy Reeves, RPh, was recently awarded the Excellence in Innovation award from the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA).  

To be deserving of this award, a pharmacist must demonstrate an innovative pharmacy practice program that resulted in improved patient care. This award highlights the work and efforts of pharmacy pioneers who are re-energizing the pharmacy profession to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow’s patients.

Reeves has spent his career efficiently serving patients by ensuring medication treatment adherence and enhancing disease management. He has sought to expand the pharmacist’s role on the healthcare team and focused on patient-centered care and reducing healthcare costs. His work pushes forward the pharmacy profession and demonstrates how pharmacists directly impact patient treatment success. Lastly, he was instrumental in bringing pharmacogenetic testing into outpatient treatment and created models that include a pharmacist’s interpretation of lab results and a better understanding of patient medication profiles and potential drug interactions.

Reeves has served on the Pharmacy Political Action Council Board of Directors, MPA Third Party Committee, Pharmacy Advocate Response Team, and Southwest Michigan Pharmacists Association.

OPTIMED SPECIALTY PHARMACY, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Mich., is an independently owned and operated national specialty pharmacy. With almost 25 years of experience, OptiMed is devoted to providing personalized patient care with a commitment to prioritizing quality, minimizing costs and maximizing patient outcomes.

MICHIGAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION represents the nearly 9,000 pharmacists and 15,000 pharmacy technicians in Michigan and strives to serve members by providing support, advocacy and resources that ultimately improve patient care, safety, health and the practice of pharmacy.