Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1169

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

Sorensen TD, Song J, Westberg SM.
The limitation of good intentions: prescribing medications for the uninsured.
J Health Care Poor Underserved 2004 May; 15:(2):152-60

Abstract:

Identifying affordable drug therapy options for individuals who lack prescription drug insurance is a problem frequently encountered by prescribers. Medication samples and manufacturer-sponsored assistance programs represent sources often used to address affordability issues. However, these sources have the potential to introduce health disparities through various mechanisms, including reduced access to the drug of choice, consistencies with access, and drug regimen complexities that adversely affect adherence. Prescribers should consider all sources of affordable medications and openly discuss treatment options and the anticipated outcomes of each with patients to ensure the prescribing of agents that optimize outcomes while balancing patient affordability.

Keywords:
Drug Costs Drug Industry Health Services Accessibility/economics* Health Services Needs and Demand Humans Medical Assistance Medically Uninsured* Patient Compliance Physician-Patient Relations* Prescriptions, Drug/economics* Prescriptions, Drug/statistics & numerical data Socioeconomic Factors United States