Harbaugh Survey II Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Robert C. Barrett
AlphaNet, Inc.
(305) 648-9540

Patients of Rare Genetic Disease Give High Marks to Support System

Program satisfaction reported via AlphaNet-sponsored survey

Coconut Grove, Fla., June 16, 2003 — A recent survey completed by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) patients shows an all-time high in patient satisfaction with the Bayer Direct™ program and the services provided by AlphaNet, Inc. In fact, the average overall satisfaction score totaled 4.4 on a scale of 5.0. The findings show the program, which provides pharmacy, reimbursement, communication and support services, is meeting patient service expectations across the board.

AlphaNet, Inc. sponsored the survey in order to measure patient satisfaction with the Bayer Direct™ program. AlphaNet, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing support programs for Alpha-1 patients, employs 22 people who are living with Alpha-1, a rare genetic disease that may predispose affected individuals to develop emphysema, liver disease, and panniculitis, a skin disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates as many as 100,000 Americans have severe Alpha-1, though fewer than 10 percent have been identified. Prolastin®, a treatment available to Alpha-1 patients, is manufactured by Bayer Biological Products and distributed through Bayer Direct™.

Robert C. Barrett, chief executive officer of AlphaNet, Inc. said, “These results are exciting, not only because they show that our program is succeeding in meeting the needs of our patients, but also because we continue to improve upon already-high satisfaction scores. Serving the Alpha-1 community continues to be our number one priority.”

Quantitative results showed patient satisfaction was high in each category, and numbers were as high as, or higher than, those of a similar survey conducted in late 2001. Categories studied included consistency of product pricing, level of support and understanding received, performance of pharmacy services, performance of reimbursement specialists, nurse case manager performance, AlphaNet Coordinator performance, frequency of contact, and overall satisfaction. In each category, results showed that Alpha-1 patients are pleased with the Bayer Direct™ program with an average score of 4.4 out of 5.0 overall.

In comparing the 2001 and 2003 surveys, the following highlights were noted on a 1 to 5 scale where 5 was the highest level of satisfaction:

• Overall satisfaction with the Bayer Direct™ program increased from 4.0 in 2001 to 4.4 in 2003.
• Increased satisfaction with reimbursement specialists. The average score in 2003 was 4.3, up from 4.0 in 2001.
• Increased satisfaction with services provided by AlphaNet Coordinators. The average Coordinator performance satisfaction score was 4.8 in 2003, up from 4.6 in 2001. More than 87% of survey participants were in regular, monthly contact with their AlphaNet Coordinator.
• Increased satisfaction with pharmacy services. Those responding gave an average of 4.5 to pharmacy services in 2003, up from 4.4 in 2001.
• Over 93% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the Bayer Direct™ program provides access to Prolastin® even if the patient moves or changes physicians or insurance companies.

Barrett noted that the survey provides valuable feedback on ways to improve satisfaction and meet patient needs. “I am pleased with these overwhelmingly positive results. Increased satisfaction in every category is not only a positive reinforcement for us as employees, but our hope is that it is also reaffirming for those whom we serve. Our focus will continue to be further improvement in our services to the Alpha-1 community,” Barrett said.

Survey Methodology

Harbaugh Associates conducted the Bayer Direct™ Patient Satisfaction survey on behalf of AlphaNet, Inc. during March 2003. A total of 959 patients completed the survey, representing 38.9 percent of the mailed questionnaires. A previous survey was conducted in November 2001.

About AlphaNet, Inc.

AlphaNet is a not-for-profit health management company founded by individuals with Alpha-1 to provide comprehensive services solely to others with Alpha-1. AlphaNet employs individuals who have Alpha-1. These individuals provide a wide range of services to Bayer Direct™ subscribers. AlphaNet also provides education, support, and disease management services. More information can be found at www.alphanet.org.

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