Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9138

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Curtiss FR.
Drug formularies provide a path to best care.
Am J Health Syst Pharm 1996 Sep 15; 53:(18):2201-3

Abstract:

A discussion of the issues important to the meaningful interpretation of a previously published study of formulary limitations that showed that outpatient prescription-drug formularies are dangerous to the financial health of managed care organizations (MCOs) is presented; shortcomings of the study design, methodology, and data presentation are included. It was shown that the use of a formulary system to increase competition among drug manufacturers is no different from the contracting methods used to create the preferred-provider networks through which managed care has successfully saved money for employers and purchasers without evidence of compromises in the quality of care.

Keywords:
Data Collection Drug Costs Drug Therapy/economics Drug Therapy/standards Formularies, Hospital/standards* Managed Care Programs Preferred Provider Organizations United States