Medicare Part D Preparedness Study Conducted by Delta Marketing Dynamics.

EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Research concludes that there is a minimal level of preparedness for introduction of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program among patients and healthcare professionals. Delta Marketing Dynamics (DMD), a healthcare marketing research firm, conducted a comprehensive

survey in mid-December 2005 and determined that most Medicare-eligible patients are poorly informed about the new Medicare Part D plan. Furthermore, only 50% of pharmacists feel they are adequately familiar with the plan, and even fewer physicians (21%)feel they are adequately familiar.

DMD's study was conducted six weeks after the pre-enrollment period began for the new Medicare Part D program, which took affect January 1, 2006. The web-based study was conducted with 100 retail pharmacists and 102 Primary Care Physicians throughout the United States. Physicians surveyed were part of ePocrates Honors(R) market research program, the largest opted-in physician panel in the U.S.

Bill Little, President of DMD, states, "Our study objective was to obtain a baseline understanding of healthcare professionals' opinions regarding the anticipated impact of Medicare Part D on their practice. After all, this is one of the most comprehensive changes to Medicare in four decades." In addition, the study queried respondents about their assessment of patients' questions and state of readiness, and their plan of action for implementing the program.

Pharmacists and physicians do not believe they have adequate information on the prescription drug plans and their formulary offerings. Compounding this problem, professionals expect patients will turn to them for clarification of the plan and for enrollment information. Pharmacists reported that, on average, over 100 patients had asked questions about Medicare Part D in the 30 days following the opening of the enrollment period. Professionals view the plan as complex and difficult to understand, which is especially troublesome for the elderly population it is intended to help. While plan guidelines and enrollment materials are available on-line from Medicare, many seniors do not have access to a computer or a caregiver to assist them. "Healthcare professionals are already under a great deal of pressure," says Little. "Asking them to become educators for Medicare Part D will be burdensome, at least in the short term."

The DMD study offers detailed information about the challenges faced by healthcare providers and Medicare-eligible consumers, including verbatims regarding what is needed by physicians and pharmacists to cope with implementation of the new Medicare plan. Both physicians and pharmacists report their plans of action and educational needs. The full report will be available in early February. For more information about the Medicare Part D Survey, please contact Bill Little, Delta Marketing Dynamics, at 315-492-2905 or wrlittle@deltamarketingdynamics.com

About Delta Marketing Dynamics (DMD)

Delta Marketing Dynamics is an independent, strategic marketing research firm with 35 years of service to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. DMD designs and implements quantitative and qualitative research through all phases of the drug life cycle, across a broad range of target audiences including pharmacists, physicians, and patients. Offices are located in Central New York.