Aetna Informs Members and Physicians about VIOXX.HARTFORD, Conn. -- Aetna (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :AET AET Aetna, Inc. AET After Extra Time AET Actual Evapotranspiration AET Alliance for Environmental Technology AET Alpha-Ethyltryptamine AET Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc. ) released the following statement today in reaction to Merck's announcement that it is withdrawing VIOXX(R) from the market: "Aetna Pharmacy Management (APM (Advanced Power Management) A programming interface (API) from Intel and Microsoft for battery-powered computers that lets programs communicate power requirements to slow down and speed up components. See ACPI. APM - Advanced Power Management ) today implemented a block in its pharmacy claims processing system for all strengths of VIOXX (rofecoxib). This will reject any claims for VIOXX submitted on behalf of Aetna prescription benefit members as of Thursday morning. The company will also be communicating the news about VIOXX to all physicians who have prescribed the drug within the last six months to Aetna prescription benefit members. APM will also notify these members directly. APM will immediately remove the previously established requirement that members use VIOXX before Celebrex(R)(celecoxib) or BEXTRA(R) (valdecoxib) would be covered. Celebrex and BEXTRA are branded COX2 drugs included on Aetna's tier three of its prescription benefit plans. The company still requires members try NSAIDs (ibuprofen-like products) before they receive coverage of the branded COX2 medications. If it is medically necessary medically necessary Managed care adjective Referring to a covered service or treatment that is absolutely necessary to protect and enhance the health status of a Pt, and could adversely affect the Pt's condition if omitted, in accordance with accepted for a member to use a branded COX2 medication as initial therapy without a trial of NSAIDs, the member's physician may request a medical exception for coverage of the COX2 medication. In addition, APM will launch a proactive communications program Software that manages the transmission of data between computers, typically via modem and the serial port. Such programs were very popular for connecting to BBSs before the Internet took off. using its network communication vehicles to reach Aetna participating pharmacists This is a list of notable pharmacists.
As one of the nation's leading providers of health care, dental, pharmacy, group life, disability and long-term care long-term care (LTC), n the provision of medical, social, and personal care services on a recurring or continuing basis to persons with chronic physical or mental disorders. benefits, Aetna puts information and helpful resources to work for its approximately 13.4 million medical members, 11.4 million dental members, 8.1 million pharmacy members and 12.6 million group insurance members to help them make better informed decisions about their health care and protect their finances against health-related risks. Aetna provides easy access to cost-effective health care through a nationwide network of more than 633,000 health care professionals, including over 377,000 primary care and specialist doctors and 3,866 hospitals. For more information, please visit www.aetna.com. (Figures as of June 30, 2004) VIOXX(R) (rofecoxib) is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. Celebrex (R) and BEXTRA(R) are registered trademarks of Pfizer Inc. |
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