Medication Surveillance Coming Soon

Greg Owen

Attorney

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According to the Well Street Journal, WellPoint along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced the launch of one of the first real-time medication surveillance systems. The system will be implemented in 2009.

WellPoint will scan the records of medical claims and medication use of millions of residents of the United States who are enrolled in company health plans in order to ascertain the presence of safety issues. It is believed that only 10 percent of the adverse events are identified currently. That number is certainly cause for concern.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will establish a computerized network which would scan private and public pharmacy records. The FDA will rely on the database of not only WellPoint but other large health insurers to take on a task of such magnitude. Deputy vice president for regulatory affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said "pharmaceutical companies are watching with a great deal of interest."

Additional Information Pertaining to the FDA and Perscription Drugs