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Centric Health Resources Hosts Authoritative Conference Focusing on Ultra-Orphan Disorders

Posted on: Tuesday, 12 August 2008, 12:02 CDT

With an ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life for people nationwide with rare, ultra-orphan and chronic genetic disorders, Centric Health Resources, Inc. (www.centrichealthresources.com) will host a special conference for industry consultants and professionals, including presentations by key thought leaders, workshops, and discussions exploring ways to meet the social, economic, and medical needs of these patients. "Innovative Approaches for Addressing the Needs of Ultra Orphan Diseases: Maximizing Market Share & Profit With Focused Distribution, Health Management, and Reimbursement Strategies" will take place at Centric headquarters, Chesterfield, MO, September 9-10, 2008.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for industry professionals to examine innovations, learn about key trends in the ultra-orphan therapy marketplace, as well as to exchange ideas with colleagues," says Craig Kephart, president and CEO of Centric Health Resources, noting that industry professionals interested in attending can request participation by calling 866-849-4481 ext. 2758 or emailing pbemus@centrichealthresources.com. "This conference represents the kind of meaningful discussion that characterizes Centric as a new generation health services organization. Participants will find themselves at the forefront of a new and evolving specialty pharmacy business model."

Centric is fundamentally a patient relationship management company with a patient-centered approach that has proven to be successful in generating significantly higher rates of patient compliance with specialty therapies. Centric leaders have designed the conference to address various market perspectives that impact patient-focused care.

Industry statistics indicate that healthcare spending in the top 10 specialty therapeutic areas is estimated at $54.6 billion of a total $73 billion specialty products market. This growth has contributed to the entry of new players in the specialty pharmacy market, including performance-based measurement systems (PBMs), managed care organizations (MCOs), and retail pharmacies.

"While these existing models of care work fairly well for the top ten specialty therapeutic areas, questions linger about the other 5,000+ rare orphan disorders that comprise the remaining $18.4 billion," adds Kephart. "Our goal is to begin meaningful dialogue regarding this growing patient population."

Featured speakers include:

-- John McCormick, M.D., Former Deputy Director, Office of Orphan Drug Development, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

-- Dennis Matheis, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri

-- John Perkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager Portfolio Management and U.S. Business, Talecris Biotherapeutics

-- Steve Schelhammer, Founder and Former CEO, Accordant Health Services

-- John Walsh, Chairman of the Board, Centric Health Resources, President, CEO, and Co-Founder, The Alpha-1 Foundation

-- Jason Slotnik, Esq., Hogan & Hartson, Washington, D.C.

-- John Doux, M.D., Palo Alto Investors

-- Ted Courtemanche, President, Iterim Health Solutions, Inc.

About Centric Health Resources

Centric Health Resources, Inc. is a nationwide, Patient-Centered Health Management(R) organization, serving patients with rare, ultra-orphan disorders. Biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers maximize value by aligning with Centric for streamlined coordination and flexible service offerings that include reimbursement expertise, delivery of specialty pharmaceuticals, peer health coaching, and clinical support from registered nurses. Centric connects physicians, nurses, health benefit payers, patient advocacy groups, biotech/pharmaceutical companies, and families together in partnership for improved service and health outcomes for these specialized patient populations. Visit www.CentricHealthResources.com.

Source: Business Wire

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