Pfizer and GSK "best overall" viewed by managed care medics

Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline tied for number one as the best overall pharmaceutical company among managed care medical directors in Verispan's fall 2006 Managed Care Medical Director Promotional Audit. The overall ranking is calculated based on five assessment areas: clinical objectivity, value-added services, disease management, account personnel and corporate approach.

Pfizer was ranked first for value-added services in the fall by medical directors. One panelist said, "superior commitment to physician education and managed care support," while another commented, "works with all divisions of the company; provides education, quality initiatives, nurse and physician education." The company was also appreciated for its Medicare Part D support, receiving the highest score among drugmakers.

GSK was also ranked first overall and finished in the top three for each assessment category. It came first for disease management, with panelists noting superior programs for smoking cessation, asthma, depression and diabetes. Similarly, in the value-added service area, medical directors noted, "rep provided support on provider education to improve childhood vaccine compliance," and "good variety of programs," when elected as "best."