
States may establish formularies and require prior authorization
States may establish formularies and require prior authorization
Should you implement a healthcare reimbursement debit card? A few tips will help clear the path.
New medical devices, FDA actions and first-time generics
Even when drug treatment is chosen carefully to fit patient needs, responses may vary
Comprehensive newsletters and Web-based messages keep members up to speed on the best drug values
Plans need to take an actuarial look at member populations to determine their level of interest
This primary issue figures into upcoming elections
Also see this month's Pharmacy Best Practices
New molecular entities and new combinations
PPIs relieve pain and heal peptic ulcers
The pharma and medical technology pipelines are expected to have a bigger impact on trends in 2005.
The growth of healthcare spending slowed in 2003-7.8% compared with 9.3% in 2002-but according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), employers are not impressed.
The most enduring changes are those that come from the inside. Improvements that arise from outside pressure sometimes fade away once that influence is removed, especially when the changes are hard to make.
A recent study separates the ingredients of the double-digit increase in employers' prescription drug costs.
For some, an investigational clinical trial can seem like the opportunity for a miracle; for others, it is an altruistic donation to science that might be used to help others. It also can be a means of receiving treatment for people with chronic conditions who have few resources, or it can be viewed cynically by critics of the pharmaceutical industry.
Consumers who receive guidance from their plans about the pharmacy benefit tend to make wiser choices
Financial affairs between a health plan and federal subcontractors requires continuous review
Legislation expands reimbursement, but concerns about liability, eligibility and privacy might constrain its broad range expansion
New indications and FDA actions in brief
The second generation of treatment for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders offers fewer side effects, but costs are much higher
According to the 2004 Almanac of Hospital and Financial Indicators, profitability will continue to suffer over the next few years
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease generates huge costs in the working population, yet it is given scant attention. Here are the facts and the actions employers can take.
New high-tech medications used by only 0.2% of the population account for more than 8% of total medication costs
AuthorsDerek Van Amerongen, MD, MS Chief Medical Officer Humana Health Plan of Ohio Cincinnati, OhioDonnaChiefari, RPH Director, Clinical Services NMHC Rx Latham, NYThe views and opinions expressed in this supplement are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect the views of Advanstar Communications, Inc., publishers of Managed Health Care Executive, or Barr LaboratoriesCopyright 2004 Advanstar Communications, Inc., All rights reserved.
Audit reveals overuse of brand name drugs