The effect of a comprehensive, mail-based motivational program for patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy

The effects of a mail-based compliance program for patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy were assessed in a retrospective, observational study. During the first year of the "Close to the Heart" program, 79% of 3,077 previously noncompliant patients filed claims for statin medications, resulting in increased percentages of patients who reached optimal or near-optimal serum lipid goals. Among patients who restarted therapy, approximately 72% were more than 70% compliant. This comprehensive compliance program administered by a large insurance company appears to have helped patients restart and maintain statin therapy, resulting in improved serum lipid profiles and reduced risk of cardiovascular complications.