Tennessee Medicare Supports Timely Dosing
In an effort to increase compliance with medication regimens among Medicare recipients, Tennessee is piloting a program with “smart pillboxes” designed by InforMedix. The device uses an alarm, generally one that sounds like a song, to remind patients when they should take medications.
The system has more extensive features when attached to a standard phone line. It will notify healthcare providers if patients make errors in taking medications. Studies document increased compliance for persons who use the pillboxes. The cost per device is $60.
Tennessee is providing the devices to 270 residents with either diabetes or high blood pressure. The intent is specifically to reduce hospitalizations secondary to issues that arise when patients do not take medications. Another feature is that the system can notify physicians of patient’s blood sugar levels, particularly important when levels dip out of range.
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April 13, 2007 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Quality, Safety, Errors, Pharmaceuticals