Regional drug information service benefits: free versus fee-for-service

Health providers in a four-state area who had utilized the Nebraska Regional Drug Information Service were surveyed to determine: (1) if providers would pay a fee for drug information services; and (2) if they would prefer a per-call fee or an annual subscription fee. Of 1,000 questionnaires mailed, approximately 500 were returned and analyzed. Results indicated that 52% of those responding felt that the drug information service provided direct benefits to patients. The service fee preferred most was $2.00 to $5.00 per call or $25.00 per year. Actual operating cost data showed that a per-call charge of $2.50 would not permit the service to break even. However, it was projected that the service would break even if it charged an annual fee of $25.00.