Anthem Blue Cross 2009 Annual Report Download - page 20

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18 WELLPOINT, INC.
BREAST CANCER CARE
A breast cancer diagnosis can
be one of the most difficult and
confusing times in a person’s
life. WellPoint’s breast cancer
care program is designed to
give members guidance and
information that will increase
communications between the
caregiver and the patient. In
addition, WellPoint recently
collaborated with the American
Cancer Society to study dispari-
ties in breast cancer treatments.
Results showed African-American
women are diagnosed in later
stages of the disease. Under-
standing these disparities
is the first step in enhancing
and improving outcomes for
all members.
ASTHMA RESEARCH We used our ability to see how people
respond to medicine in the real world to study asthma. Even though
inhalers are shown to be more effective in clinical trials, research
conducted by our outcomes research company, HealthCore, found
members taking oral tablets were more consistent in taking their
medication and were less likely to require medical care for serious
attacks. As a result, we changed our rules so that members’
physicians don’t need our approval before prescribing an oral
tablet for the member.
Members in Georgia have a
unique resource that greatly
assists them after a breast
cancer diagnosis. Feedback
from members and providers
has been extremely positive,
and led to a collaboration
between WellPoint and the
American Cancer Society.