Pharmacy

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

States propose ways to import cheaper drugs from Canada, despite FDA safety warning

New indications and new combinations; first-time generic approvals

Cost sharing and benefit design are concerns, but more helpful pharmacists are an added plus, espcially for the chronically ill

Experts say SSRIs tend to have similar efficacy but different side effect profiles, and patients who don't respond to one might respond to another

Plans offer the personal touch of these special caregivers

The pharmacy benefit is scheduled to begin in 2006 and will cost $400 billion over the next 10 years.

Flexible spending accounts for drug purchases test the acceptance of future consumer-driven plan designs

DM plays a key role in the evolution of specialty pharmacy

New molecular entities, new biologics and new formulations

First line treatment usualy begins with NSAIDs plus a DMARD, but combination therapy and new biologics hold great promise

Two mergers might put a new spin on the PBM market

New molecular entities and new formulations, FDA actions and generic approvals

Source: Atlantic Information Services, Drug Cost Management Report

Quality initiatives and a group treatment approach might increase understanding and ease the cost burden of the disease

All too often, the fundamentals of a sport, industry or discipline are learned at the early stages but then forgotten as an individual advances in knowledge and sophistication. And that, according to Joe Anderson, is the problem that has caused so many healthcare headaches over the years.

Recent approvals and FDA actions

Hosptial program aligns high-cost clinical areas and financial strategies to realize benefits of the latest innovations

Avoid the want-book trap

Massachusetts goes after generic makers for overcharging the state

Guidance engages members in value-based decisions