Pharmacy

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

Caremark's $6 billion acquisition is about more than money.

As prescription drug spending grows, employers ? who pay a large part of the bill ? want to know if they are getting their money's worth. A critical review of scientific literature on some common diseases provides the answer.

Appropriate antibiotic use, drug safety, online ordering are among plan efforts

Evolving customer relationships is top of mind for drug companies

Vouchers, bargains and other marketing teasers inspire members to try less-expensive generics

Recent approvals and new indications

Data allow MCOs to evalutate their pharmacy services and which drugs should or should not be covered

Consumers spent less on prescription drugs in the first quarter of this year

It might be unfair that Americans pay the highest prices for drugs, but the alternative isn't palatable either

Recent surveys indicate a gap in the clinical trial process.