Comments on: Increase copays and increase medical spending? http://healthcare-economist.com/2007/02/16/increase-copays-and-increase-medical-spending/ An unbiased look at today's health care issues Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:18:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: RxCzar http://healthcare-economist.com/2007/02/16/increase-copays-and-increase-medical-spending/#comment-7524 RxCzar Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:39:50 +0000 http://healthcare-economist.com/2007/02/16/increase-copays-and-increase-medical-spending/#comment-7524 The real key factor is compliance with critical medications. It is possible to increase co-payments and compliance at the same time by effectively identifying and notifying physicians about poor compliance and early discontinuation. The cost of such a program is far less than lowering co-payments and also monitors for other care gaps. The Horn et al study did not look at trends. It only showed that medical utilization was highest in Florida and lowest in Utah. In fact, the Florida HMO did not restrict drug use. Horn et al misinterpreted a "preferred drug list" that identified first-line drugs, when appropriate, with restrictions. A really bad study that needs to be permanently buried. The real key factor is compliance with critical medications. It is possible to increase co-payments and compliance at the same time by effectively identifying and notifying physicians about poor compliance and early discontinuation. The cost of such a program is far less than lowering co-payments and also monitors for other care gaps.

The Horn et al study did not look at trends. It only showed that medical utilization was highest in Florida and lowest in Utah. In fact, the Florida HMO did not restrict drug use. Horn et al misinterpreted a “preferred drug list” that identified first-line drugs, when appropriate, with restrictions. A really bad study that needs to be permanently buried.

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