(i) Provider newsletter – Short version

Atlas Health Formularies Available through FREE Epocrates® References

Atlas Health is excited to announce that our formularies can now be accessed through Epocrates® drug reference software using your mobile device (Palm, PocketPC, smartphone) or an Internet-connected computer. By downloading the Epocrates application to your handheld or through the Internet, you can check formulary status, prior authorization requirements, formulary alternatives, generic substitutes and quantity limits. Additionally, the software features a drug reference that includes information such as indication, dosing, contraindications, drug interactions, adverse reactions and cost information. This formulary and drug information is available for FREE at Premium versions on the mobile and web-based application which include alternative medicines, clinical tables, and medical calculators are also available for an annual fee.

(ii) Provider newsletter – Long version

Atlas Health Formularies to be Available through Epocrates® References

All Network Providers to Enjoy Free Access

Atlas Health’s prescription drug formularies will soon be available through Epocrates® references, an electronic system that makes clinical information available to health care professionals at the point of care via handheld wireless communication devices and Internet connected computers.

In 2006, Atlas Health will make its formularies, along with key pharmacy benefit information, available free through the Epocrates Rx® drug database to all network physicians to help simplify selection of prescription medications for members.

Used by over 200,000 physicians, Epocrates can be accessed through a personal digital assistant (PDA), or “handheld,” or by way of a desktop PC with Internet access. Network providers who use Epocrates will be notified via e-mail when the Atlas Health formularies becomes available on the system. Practitioners who don’t currently use the system can register and download the software for free by visiting, which also features information about hardware requirements.

Making Pharmacy Information More Portable

In addition to providing access to the drug formulary, Epocrates will enable providers to check quantity level limits, consult prior authorization requirements and receive drug-specific messages and updates directly from Atlas Health, among other features.

Epocrates Rx also provides information about adult and pediatric dosing, drug interactions, potential adverse reactions, contraindications and drug pricing for individual medications — offering valuable medication decision-making support that has the potential to reduce prescribing errors.

Epocrates users also receive free access to other valuable informational tools, including the following:

  • DocAlert: provides important medical warnings and updates of concern to physicians nationally, such as medication statements issued by the FDA
  • MedMath: provides quick access to medical calculators for determining insulin dosing, IV drips and dosing for other modes of medication administration

Goals:

Reduce Interruptions, Improve Patient Satisfaction

Pharmacy Information That Stays Current

When they “sync” or “dock” their handhelds into an Internet connection, physicians will automatically receive any formulary updates and new messages from Atlas Health. In addition, Epocrates provides general pharmacy news and information updates at least weekly.

For nominal annual subscription rates, providers can purchase other optional services from Epocrates, including an herbal supplement database, an infectious disease application, pill pictures and printable patient education materials, among other tools. For more information, visit .