Insurers cite eight Rx drug classes for increased use
The eight classes of drugs cited were hypertension, asthma, lipid management, anxiety/depression, schizophrenia, diabetes, smoking cessation, and HIV/AIDS.The eight classes of drugs cited were hypertension, asthma, lipid management, anxiety/depression, schizophrenia, diabetes, smoking cessation, and HIV/AIDS.
A report issued by Putnam Associates revealed that plans believe that greater pharmacoeconomic value can be unlocked by increasing patient use within certain drug categories. The study, entitled "U.S. Managed Markets: Opportunities and Risks in the Emerging Appropriate Use Paradigm," identified eight classes of drugs where insurers believe that increasing the number of patients on therapies and getting those patients with prescriptions to take their drugs would create value for both patients and plans in the long term. The eight classes of drugs cited were hypertension, asthma, lipid management, anxiety/depression, schizophrenia, diabetes, smoking cessation, and HIV/AIDS. Putnam researchers spoke to healthcare decision-makers who collectively insure 62% of the privately insured U.S. population, or roughly 124 million individuals. Insurers were asked to consider both underuse and overuse of branded prescription drugs across 18 categories.
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