COPD adherence measures being tested by PQA

SPRINGFIELD, Va. - As part of its commitment to improving the quality of medication management and use across health care settings,the Pharmacy Quality Alliance announced Wednesday it is collaborating with UnitedHealthcare and Highmark to test a new adherence measure.

 

PQA is testing a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease measure, which examines adherence to long-acting, inhaled bronchodilator medications in patients with COPD. With an estimated nearly 15 million individuals in the U.S. with a diagnosis of COPD, and possibly another 12 million undiagnosed patients, this chronic disease must be appropriately diagnosed and treated. 

 

"Testing is a key step in the measure development process, and having several testing partners allows PQA the opportunity to identify how the draft measure performs across different health plans. This is an important step in our measure validation process," stated Julie Kuhle, PQA VP measure operations.

 

Michael Anderson, chief pharmacy officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, said, "We are pleased to participate in developing medication management measures that have a positive impact on the lives of people with COPD and other chronic conditions. Helping people live healthier lives is our commitment - and collaborating with PQA is another important step in fulfilling that commitment."