Considerations for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the managed care setting (PDF)

The direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with multiple sclerosis are high. In the managed care setting, before treatment is initiated, these costs must be reconciled with other factors such as the epidemiological and clinical features of MS and current recommendations for pharmacologic management. Managed care organizations (MCOs) have the opportunity to improve the outcomes of MS through a system of care. MCOs can also manage the costs of the 2 first-line therapies (glatiramer and agents from the interferon class) used to treat MS by using stepped care and preferred formulary designations. In addition, improved outcomes can be achieved by establishing a disease management approach to treat MS.