Therapeutic drug-use review for the Florida Medicaid program

A program is described in which drug-use review information was provided to prescribers and dispensing pharmacies for the purpose of reducing morbidity related to inappropriate drug therapy. In the Florida Medicaid program, computer-generated medical history profiles were used to identify patients at risk for drug-induced illnesses. Health-care providers were then notified of potential problems with patients' drug regimens and asked for a response. Patient profiles were monitored for changes, and follow-up letters were sent to the health-care providers as warranted. During a nine-month period in 1982-83, drug therapy was changed in 54% of cases after providers were notified of problems. Florida's Medicaid drug-use review program was effective in identifying inappropriate drug therapy that can lead to increased morbidity and higher health-care costs.