Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2019

14 By Sandra Albritton, MN, RN, CCRC, CHRC Director of Research Programs, Kootenai Health Do you qualify for a clinical trial? Trials are always underway at Kootenai Health. If you would like to learn more about opportunities to take part in research, please call (208) 625-4223 . Cardiologist Eric Wallace, M.D., is a clinical research investigator at Kootenai Heart Clinics and leads many cardiovascular studies. “Research is an important part of our practice,” he said. “We strive to bring the best medications and devices to our patients. Participating in research challenges us as physicians to stay on the leading edge of medical information.” Caiti Bobbitt, Kootenai Health public affairs strategist, and Sandra Albritton, director of research programs, visited the capitol building in Boise to present the medical trials bill to the state legislature. LIFE-CHANGING RESEARCH Coverage for Research changes lives, though we may forget just how much. For example, early in the last century before the discovery of insulin, children were pushed to the brink of starvation because it was the only way to treat type 1 diabetes. While the term clinical research can conjure images of sterile machines filled with test tubes and people in white lab coats, there is another side to research taking place right here in our community. These are studies of how people respond to new medications, new medical devices and even how existing medications can be used together in unique combinations. For many years, Kootenai Health physicians, nurses and other clinical staff members have been active in the research community. This includes helping patients enroll with national research studies that might help them. Anew law Because of the way some health insurance policies have been written, they do not cover health care expenses for patients who are in clinical trials. Recognizing this was a problem, the research department at Kootenai Health, along with Kootenai’s public affairs strategist, worked to bring attention to the situation. After months of working with Idaho insurance providers, elected officials and the Idaho Hospital Association, they were pleased to receive support for a new law that ensures all health plans in the state of Idaho appropriately cover clinical trials for their plan participants. In March, Governor Brad Little signed a bill into Idaho state law that requires insurance companies to pay for standard-of-care tests and procedures if a patient decides to take part in a clinical trial. This means the patient’s care will be covered whether they are in or out of a clinical research study. Kootenai’s ongoing participation in clinical trials has helped improve the quality of care for patients nationally. Now, thanks to its collaboration with Idaho’s insurance carriers and elected officials, it has helped improve access to the highest level of care for all patients in Idaho.