Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7899

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

Weiner S, Dischler J, Horvitz C.
Beyond pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance: broadening the scope of an indigent drug program.
Am J Health Syst Pharm 2001 Jan 15; 58:(2):146-50
http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/reprint/58/2/146

Abstract:

A medication assistance program implemented by an ambulatory care pharmacy that is run by a pharmacist and a social worker is described; the program taps all available public and private resources to assist indigent patients with medication costs. The medication assistance program helped 231 patients in the 6 months from July to December 1999. Program costs totaled $110,537, but $237,985 was saved. Only 13% of the savings came from pharmaceutical companies; 63% came from Medicaid. Experience with the program suggests that medication assistance initiatives should be structured to tap the full spectrum of resources for indigent patients, that programs be staffed by personnel with relevant experience, that program staff be prepared to work closely with patients and to follow up, and that the institution’s charitable goods and services be restricted to patients for whom there are no other resources.

Keywords:
Academic Medical Centers Adult Aged Chicago Child Cost Savings Drug Costs Drug Industry/economics* Drug Therapy/economics* Female Humans Male Pharmacists Social Welfare/economics Social Work Uncompensated Care/economics*