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Advanced Therapeutics Program: Transforming Access to Life-Changing Care
Thanks to the Advanced Therapeutics (ATRx) Program, UMass Memorial Health patients can more easily access lifesaving treatments that require specialist oversight, are hard to obtain and can be hard to access due to cost, insurance rules and limited availability.
“We know a lot of patients could benefit from life-changing therapies, but getting in to see a specialist can be a challenge,” said Michael Hyder, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Chief, Pharmacotherapies. “The ATRx program was created to bridge that gap and bring advanced treatments directly to patients through expert virtual care.”
The program currently focuses on cardiometabolic diseases, including high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity-related weight loss. Since its launch in April 2023, ATRx has grown to serve more than 3,500 patients across the system who have collectively lost more than 50,000 pounds. This weight loss helps to improve blood sugar, sleep apnea, cholesterol, and kidney function. Patients remain on therapy more than 98% of the time, well above national averages.
“Our team co-manages patients with their primary care providers,” said Dr. Hyder. “This allows primary care doctors to focus on patients, not paperwork. We handle the logistics, insurance hurdles and keep patients on track.”
Virtual care also helps patients who face transportation or mobility challenges, with most appointments scheduled within 10 days of referral. The team includes nurse practitioners, pharmacists, pharmacy liaisons, and specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, liver disease, and weight management who meet weekly to coordinate each patient’s care.
“When the whole team talks through a patient’s case, we don’t just prescribe a drug; we build a plan that fits their life,” Dr. Hyder said. He also emphasized the program’s population-level impact: “By treating these diseases across the community: improving diabetes, kidney function, and reducing heart attacks and strokes, we’ll see fewer hospital admissions and improved health outcomes overall.”
“This program is about equity as much as it’s about innovation,” Dr. Hyder added. “Advanced therapies don’t have to be out of reach. With the right model, they can — and should — be standard care.” The program now partners with more than 200 referring providers, including external practices across the Commonwealth.
Eric Dickson, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, UMass Memorial Health, is excited for the success of the ATRx program. “Launching this program has been one of the best decisions we’ve made,” he said. “It helps patients access the treatments they need more easily, supports better health outcomes and reduces costs along the way.” •
