Connectivity, Transparency Key Features in InterQual(R) Criteria and Software Releases

“We are acutely aware that our customers, both providers and payors, are under pressure to find more ways to improve the efficiency of their decision-making processes. InterQual is already the gold standard for evidence-based decision support; we are committed to an intense annual review process to retain that standing,” said A. Jacqueline Mitus, M.D., senior vice president of clinical content for McKesson Health Solutions. “And with the increasing shift toward payor-provider collaboration, we have devoted attention to facilitating the connectivity and transparency that lead to better alignment among all stakeholders.”

The latest InterQual release improves the transparency of InterQual’s clinical integrity with expanded links directly to the references and abstracts that support the evidence-based criteria. Also, classifications of the type of evidence – for example, meta-analysis or controlled clinical trial – have been added, offering a deeper level of insight into the research supporting the criteria.

“The 2008 InterQual release continues our tradition of innovation and enhancement of our evidence-based medical content. This year we are bringing expanded content to our customers, addressing diverse topics such as traumatic brain injury, endoscopic antireflux procedures, artificial lumbar disc replacement and intensive community-based psychiatry treatment. Our rigorous and well-documented development processes are critical for successfully developing this new content, as we address somewhat more controversial areas of medicine,” said Dr. Mitus.

On the connectivity front, InterQual Connect has been launched with the new release. InterQual Connect offers faster, easier, more cost-effective care authorizations. It gives payors the ability to integrate InterQual content and medical necessity review functionality into provider portals, extending access to physician offices and providing prompt answers to authorization requests. Physicians and patients benefit from speedier responses, and payors can benefit from reduced resources required to process authorizations.

The newly released Review Manager 7.0, the web-based delivery software for InterQual Criteria, includes capabilities for receiving and sending data with inbound HL7 and new outbound HL7 messaging. Bidirectional HL7 supports improved efficiency and accuracy by automating the exchange of data with other authorized information systems. The result is timelier, more accurate and complete information available for patient care decisions.

About McKesson Corporation

McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 18th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and healthcare information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and improving the quality and safety of patient care. McKesson is the longest-operating company in healthcare today, marking its 175^th anniversary this year. Over the course of its history, McKesson has grown by providing pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management across the spectrum of care; healthcare information technology for hospitals, physicians, homecare and payors; hospital and retail pharmacy automation; and services for manufacturers and payors designed to improve outcomes for patients. For more information, visit http://www.mckesson.com.