• Home
•  | 
• Subscribe to the Journal VBHM
•  | 
• Tell a Colleague
•  | 
• Site Map

Case Study: The Lancaster County BRiDGE Project

The Lancaster County BRiDGE Project was formed by a local business coalition with the goal to take action against the healthcare crisis. In a county where 8% of the population suffers from diabetes, the BRiDGE Project offers employers the necessary tools to implement wellness programs and disease management.

• How does the BRiDGE Project work?
• The BRiDGE Project results

How does the BRiDGE Project work?

• Smaller employers operate under the coalition to bridge the gap between employer costs.
• Employers have direct input about the programs they offer, making them tailored to their company's needs.
• Costs are spent regularly to maintain health rather than abruptly to address health problems.
• Physicians and pharmacists coach patients through 1-on-1 education.

Back to top

The BRiDGE Project results:

• For employers, first-year results indicated a $5,800 reduction in healthcare spending per participant.¹
• While regular healthcare exams increased 34%, total healthcare costs decreased 30%.¹
• Employees in the program were more compliant with treatment and more likely to fulfill physician requests for periodic health exams.¹
• Employers create a union among physicians, pharmacists, and patients. Physicians and pharmacists act as coaches to help patients learn about healthy lifestyles and treatment options.¹

Back to top

Reference:

1. Fera T. Overview and first year results for HealthMapRx Diabetes Program: the BRiDGE project. Presentation, APhA Foundation, October 19, 2007.