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Physicians' knowledge of drug costs for the elderly
L Glickman1, E A Bruce, F G Caro
1Gerontology Institute, University of Massachusetts, Boston 02125-3393.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Physicians demonstrate significant gaps in knowledge regarding medication costs, impacting prescribing. Educational initiatives are crucial for cost-effective prescribing under healthcare reform.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Health Economics
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Physician awareness of medication costs is critical for cost-effective prescribing.
- Understanding cost implications is essential for patient adherence and overall healthcare reform.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physicians' knowledge of drug prices for commonly prescribed geriatric medications.
- To determine how physician awareness of drug costs influences prescribing decisions.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 22 pharmacies determined actual prices of 14 common brand-name and generic drugs.
- 132 primary care practitioners were surveyed on their knowledge of these drug prices and prescribing habits.
Main Results:
- 85% of physicians reported patient inability to afford medications as a problem.
- Physicians frequently underestimated costs of expensive drugs and overestimated costs of cheaper ones.
- Younger physicians and non-internal medicine specialists showed better price estimation accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Significant deficits exist in physicians' understanding of medication costs.
- Educational interventions are necessary to improve physicians' cost-effectiveness in prescribing.