Opus Medication Systems, Inc.

--COMPANY PROFILE:

Building on more than 25 years of innovation, OPUS Medication Systems provides a comprehensive solution for all those involved in the "med-pass" delivery system in the long-term care industry.

From pioneering to standard-setting

The OPUS system was developed by Paul Keffeler, R.Ph, who owned a pharmacy in Omaha, NE that provided pharmacy services to the skilled nursing industry. Faced with ongoing issues of medication errors, waste and tampering using the traditional industry packaging systems, Mr. Keffeler developed the OPUS system to overcome such obstacles to quality care. Today, the OPUS system has quickly become the preferred med-pass in long-term care facilities across the country.

The development of the OPUS system focused on delivering:

An upfront 50% to 75% savings in medication waste resulting in cost savings to residents and third-party payors.

Reduced medication pass time by 30% to 40%, allowing staff to spend more quality time with resident care.

Improved organization & audit ability compared to other available systems which helps to ensure that the right medication is given at the right dose, at the right time and to the right person, EVERY TIME!

A dramatic reduction in the possibility of tampering and med errors. Provides facilities with unmatched reliability--thus reducing liability concerns. A reduction in pharmacy labor cost. Improved pharmacy inventory management.

Enhanced Quality of Care

Notwithstanding the above, the hallmark of the OPUS system through its pharmacy providers, is how the system components work together to allow the facility to improve the quality of care to its residents. "It is the most simple, safe and secure med-passing system on the market today," said Mark Keffeler, President and CEO of OPUS.

"Without quality, having a great product idea isn't enough in today's marketplace," stated Keffeler,. "Our system is more than packaging, it is a total medication management system designed to increase quality care through the prevention of medication errors, medication waste, and medication tampering", added Keffeler.

OSHA 

In 2002, OSHA ergonomics demonstration project, used in developing the new"Guidelines for Nursing Homes,"examined medication systems and methods to dispense medication. [1] They found the flip-lid system to be much less work than breaking open individually wrapped medications to push a pill through paper or foil. More importantly they found the system to be more accurate as well. The system used in the demonstration was the OPUS system, the only flip-lid cartridge system on the market today and patented by OPUS Medication Systems. "More accurate prevents medication errors," Keffeler said.

For the future

The expected growth in the number of people needing long-term care is staggering. Sixty percent of those reaching the age of 65 are expected to need long-term care at some point in their lives [2]. According to the AARP, seven million people over the age of 65 needed long-term care in 2001 and by 2020,the number is expected to increase to 12 million. A Massachusetts study found the cost of medication waste in long-term care facilities was 15 cents per patient day [3].

Now skip to the future, the cost of med-waste will be as staggering as the anticipated growth, over $633 million dollars a year. "Our system can save this country, the tax-payers, providers and residents 50% to 75% of that cost before it happens. Prevention of med waste is the key to curbing it. Once it has left the pharmacy no one wants it recycled," said Keffeler.

Company Support

OPUS is much more than hardware. Local OPUS representatives cover each state. These representatives receive extensive training on the industry, its issues and changes. They work with long-term care pharmacies that provide the OPUS system to LTC facilities throughout the country. OPUS System Consultants attend family nights, assist in ongoing Quality Assurance and conduct in-service seminars as an increasing amount of facilities select pharmacies providing the OPUS system. "I have been affiliated with pharmacies using the OPUS system since 1985 and I continue to support this dispensing system in our client facilities. Our pharmacy is able to offer several dispensing systems to our client facilities, but time and time again OPUS is the choice of the nursing staff at our LTC centers, it is the easiest and most accurate system for them to use and in turn is efficient and cost effective for my pharmacy to work with" said Mark McMullen, R.Ph., CGP, and General Manager for Main Healthcare Pharmacy.

The foundation for the company's success is its unrelenting pursuit of quality care. Its continued growth is built upon the cornerstone of its mission, service, product quality, and partnering relationships.

For more information about OPUS Medication Systems please contact:

OPUS Medication Systems

Michael J. Smith

Executive Vice President,

Sales and Marketing

8939 F Street

Omaha, NE 68127

800.228-5021

http://www.opusmedicationsystems.com

References:

[1] Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Ergonomics Demonstration Project: Skilled Nursing Facility. October 1001. www.ini.wa.gov/wisha/ergo/demofnl/nursing-fnl.pdf

[2] Employee Benefit News, a Federal Case for Long Term Care, 2/02/03

[3] Paone RP, Vogenberg FR, Caporello E, et al. Medication destruction and waste measurement and management in long-term care facilities. Consult Pharm. 1996;11:32-40.