Press Release

Manasquan, N.J., USA, April 26, 2005 - Alone or in tandem with a chronic condition, the cost of depression to employers and healthcare organizations is substantial. Each year, employers pay $52 billion in absenteeism and lost productivity due to depression. Major depression results in 50 percent to 100 percent higher costs in medical patients in all facets of medical care, from emergency room visits to prescriptions to laboratory tests. “Depression and Disease Management,” a May 25, 2005 audio conference sponsored by the Healthcare Intelligence Network (HIN), will describe ways a viable depression management program can boost patient outcomes and satisfaction and offset healthcare costs.

HIN’s “Depression and Disease Management” audio conference will feature representatives of existing depression management programs, who will share the features and results of their efforts. The audio conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on May 25, 2005. For more details on attending the audio conference, please visit the HIN bookstore.

“Healthcare providers, health plans and employers can lower costs and optimize productivity through screenings and outreach initiatives designed to educate the public about depression,” according to Melanie Matthews, HIN Executive Vice President. “Five percent to 9 percent of adults in the United States suffer from depression, and half go undiagnosed and untreated in primary care.” A major barrier to diagnosis and treatment of depression is the stigma attached to mental health conditions, she added.

Industry experts Mary Beth Chalk, Chief Operating Officer of Resources for Living and Dr. Sam Toney, President and Chief Medical Officer of Health Integrated, will provide details on depression and disease management, including:

• Stand-alone programs versus an integrated program;
• Patient compliance;
• Program features and results;
• The PCP’s role in depression management;
• Measuring the improvement in depression and correlating it to personal productivity improvements; and
• The shortfalls of depression disease management.

This audio conference is designed to benefit CEOs, medical directors, disease management directors, managers and coordinators, health plan executives, care management nurses, business development and strategic planning directors. For more information on the conference, please email info@hin.com, call toll-free (888) 446-3530 or visit the HIN bookstore.

About the Healthcare Intelligence Network -- HIN is the premier advisory service for executives seeking high-quality strategic information on the business of healthcare. For more information, contact the Healthcare Intelligence Network, PO Box 1442, Wall Township, NJ, USA, 07719-1442, (888) 446-3530, fax (732) 292-3073, e-mail info@hin.com, or visit www.hin.com.

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