October 2011 (Burlington, VT) -- Patient Engagement Systems, a health-care technology company that provides solutions that improve primary care for people with chronic diseases, was awarded Bronze Honors for Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection by URAC, a leading health care accreditation organization. The honor was announced during the 2011 URAC Quality Summit and Awards Program on October 6th in Chicago, Illinois. This award recognizes achievements of organizations that are effectively advancing the role of consumers as active participants in health care through Consumer Decision-Making.
Patient Engagement Systems' program, "Automating Provider Patient Communications to Improve Chronic Care Outcomes" was recognized for its demonstrated ability to improve coordination, compliance and the overall management of chronic conditions by supporting physician decision-making and communication with their patients.
Physicians who work with Patient Engagement Systems have found that the technology extended, and expanded, their capability to provide high-quality, cost-effective, and consistent medical care -- ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing expenses. The technology is the only chronic care management and patient engagement platform that has demonstrated effectiveness in a National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical trial. Results showed savings that averaged more than $2,400 per year per diabetic patient because of verified improvements in patient management, as well as reductions in emergency room, inpatient stays, and other costs.
Dr. Benjamin Littenberg, Chief Medical Officer at Patient Engagement Systems, accepts the URAC Bronze Award for Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerrment and Protection. Standing to his right is Jim Rose, Patient Engagement Systems' Senior Vice President of Business Development.
"Patient Engagement Systems is honored to receive the 2011 URAC Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection Bronze Award. Primary care will be the focal point for the future of health care, and patient engagement improves the overall clinical experience. We are proud to offer technology that supports physician decision-making and communication with their patients, and to be a leader in the effort to improve care and reduce costs," said Benjamin Littenberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Patient Engagement Systems
Entries were judged by a distinguished 20-member panel of prestigious, independent judges including recognized experts in program evaluation, care coordination, health information technology, employer and purchaser decision making and patient safety. Entries were reviewed and scored by the judges based on objective criteria including whether the program was measurable, if it was reproducible and delivered through a collaborative approach. Honors were awarded in the categories of Consumer Decision-Making and Consumer Health Improvement.
Dr. Littenberg presented the company's winning program at a conference session for award finalists as part of the Quality Summit. The Patient Engagement Systems program was selected from among 60 entries and 15 finalists from across the nation, including leading companies such as United Healthcare and WellPoint.
"URAC's Best Practices awards program is a unique celebration of innovative health care management programs. These organizations have implemented leading programs that have made a difference in the lives of the consumers they serve with demonstrable results that matter," said Alan P. Spielman, president and CEO of URAC. "This year's winners are recognized for their leadership in delivering on the promise of a quality health care system that puts consumers first."
