Ed Pezalla, MD, MPH, Discusses How Health Plans are Engaging Patients in Decision-Making

Ed Pezalla, MD, MPH, national medical director for pharmacy policy and strategy, office of the CMO, Aetna, says payers and health plans are preparing for patient-centered care by utilizing digital tools. Everything from virtual people to cost search tools are used to assist employed and general patient populations. Dr Pezalla says many of these tools will also be used in the public and private health insurance exchanges to help people make decisions as they purchase health plans.

“It’s not just a matter of choosing on cost, but choosing a plan that will work for them in terms of their medical and financial situation,” he says.