Military Health System to Use McKesson's InterQual Clinical Decision Support for 16th Year
August 14, 2008

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--McKesson announced it won a contract for a full suite of InterQual® evidence-based clinical decision products to support the medical management goals of TRICARE Management Activity for beneficiaries in the Military Health System. The contract, awarded by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity following a competitive process, continues a relationship between McKesson and the U.S. military that began in 1992.

With the addition of an enhanced version of InterQual® Online, McKesson’s hosted Web-based application, InterQual solutions will be used throughout the large and diverse Military Health System to help optimize healthcare outcomes.

“InterQual’s track record with government entities and hospitals extends over 30 years, and is at the root of InterQual’s widespread adoption today -- including use among commercial payors across the country,” said Dr. Emad Rizk, president of McKesson Health Solutions. “We attribute its extensive implementation to clinical integrity. McKesson constantly invests in the development and maintenance of the criteria and we are proud that they are widely regarded as the most current and scientifically based platform available for informing care decisions.”

The contract includes an array of InterQual criteria products for Acute, Long-Term Acute Care, Rehabilitation, Subacute & SNF, Home Care, Outpatient Rehabilitation & Chiropractic, Behavioral Health, Imaging, Procedures, Specialty Referral and Durable Medical Equipment.

The Military Health System also contracted to use the InterQual® Interrater Reliability Suite for testing reviewers, which helps to ensure the appropriate and consistent use of InterQual Criteria. In addition, McKesson will provide a series of customized trainings through onsite, virtual classroom and Web-based training courses.

“We are continually exploring ways to add value to our many long-standing relationships,” said Tammie Phillips, VP of InterQual for McKesson Health Solutions. “McKesson’s newest InterQual Online offering is a great example of how we listen to and meet the Military Health System’s needs. It allows reviewers to apply InterQual Criteria for a specific patient without entering identifying information, then transfer the results into their own secure software system. The benefit is greater efficiency combined with the privacy protection they require.”

In addition to the InterQual solutions used in the Military Health System, McKesson provides nurse advice line services to TRICARE Europe and is the sole distributor for pharmaceutical distribution services to the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy.

About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System

For more information, go to http://www.tricare.mil.

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 175th 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.