For Immediate Release
September 29, 2006
Contact: Anna Beard
(509) 228-6016
anna.beard@asuris.com
Asuris Enhances Member Online Resource with Comprehensive Rx Guide
Asuris Engine now includes tools that allow consumers to compare prices,
learn about
drug interactions and understand formulary information
(Spokane) – Asuris Northwest Health members can now access pharmacy-related information on the Asuris Engine (myasuris.com), an online interactive environment designed to help advise, navigate and reward members to better understand how to take charge of their health. This “one-stop shop” offers members the opportunity to research specific health issues, evaluate annual health care costs and plan healthy activities for themselves and their families.
The new Health & Rx Guide in the Engine further enhances members’ experience with a comprehensive set of resources and tools, including a newly improved search function that makes it easier to find new medication information such as descriptions, generic options, formulary status or options and costs. Other tools available are an Rx article library, a medication interaction tool and a medication identification tool that can help people identify a particular pill by physical characteristics. The drug interaction tool, in particular, can be customized so members can see if their personal medications have possible interaction risks.
“As medications are one of the key drivers of escalating health care costs, one of the cornerstones of Asuris Rx is our extensive clinical review of the safety and effectiveness of current medications. The integration of this information into the Asuris Engine gives members a single, streamlined source where they can find the information they need to make more informed medication, benefits and health care decisions,” said David Clark, vice president of Pharmacy Services for Asuris.
The Asuris Engine also gives members access to fitness, weight-loss and smoking cessation programs. Members who choose to participate in these programs and lead healthier lifestyles will receive Asuris Rewards – points redeemable for gift certificates to a wide variety of restaurants and retailers.
“We are proud to offer the Health & Rx Guide and other tools to our members through the Engine, so they can make effective decisions about their health care,” said Will McKinney, vice president of Consumer-Directed Health Systems for Asuris. “It is one more way we are helping advise, navigate and reward members to help them take charge of their health.”
Based in Spokane, Asuris Northwest Health offers a full range of health care coverage options, including dental and vision coverage, for Eastern Washington employers and individuals. Asuris also offers Medicare supplemental plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and provides member access to more than 19,000 health care providers. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.asuris.com. Asuris Northwest Health, a not-for-profit health plan, is a subsidiary of Regence BlueShield, a leading health plan in Washington.
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