The ATRx program is the core of our portfolio, enabling patients living with chronic diseases greater and more equitable access to life-changing, next-generation therapies using innovative approaches that bridge a critical care gap.

ATRx Program Spotlight

Delivering Essential Treatments to Patients with Cardiometabolic Diseases

A priority of ATRx has been to focus on patients with cardiometabolic diseases which include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and/or Type 2 diabetes. These diseases are highly prevalent and often lead to serious illness if not tightly managed.

Thankfully, new therapies have emerged that can have a major positive impact on the course of these diseases.  

By using data to guide decision-making and then collaborating with specialists, pharmacists and primary care doctors, the team brings these breakthrough treatments to patients faster without the need to wait a long time for an appointment with a specialist.    

Here’s how we do it:

• An advanced practice provider (APP) validates our advanced analytics data which identifies patients who may benefit from therapy.  This is done by reviewing the patient’s chart in their electronic health record.
• On a weekly basis, virtual consults are held involving all specialists and the APP. The group determines which patients may be good candidates for groundbreaking drugs and therapies then makes the recommendation to the primary care provider (PCP).
• The PCP discusses the proposed therapy during the patient's scheduled visit, and if the patient is agreeable, makes a referral to the cardiometabolic program.
• Collaborating with the UMass Memorial pharmacy team, the APP secures prior approval from insurance payers and breaks down any other barriers to patients receiving the important medications.
• The APP schedules a telehealth visit with the patient to review the benefits and potential side effects of these medications. The APP works with the PCP to make any necessary adjustments to the patient’s current care regime, and when appropriate, prescribes the new medication.  

"We started with cardiometabolic diseases because of the devastating impact these diseases have on our patient's health, and the opportunity to help our PCPs slow the progression of their conditions. Through these collaborative efforts, we can prevent long-term suffering and improve the health and well-being of the people in the communities we serve." 

-  Michael Hyder, MD, MPH, Executive Director, CDHS