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Computer-guided academic detailing as part of a drug benefit program
Summary
A clinical pharmacy company uses a computerized drug-use-review program to identify prescription cost savings. Interventions with physicians led to significant monthly drug cost reductions for managed care organizations.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Managed care organizations face challenges in controlling escalating drug expenditures.
- Identifying and addressing prescribing variances is crucial for cost containment.
- Physician prescribing patterns significantly impact overall drug costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a service identifying drug cost-saving opportunities in managed care.
- To detail a computerized drug-use-review program for cost reduction.
- To evaluate the impact of pharmacist interventions on drug costs.
Main Methods:
- A software program analyzed prescription claims data against drug-use criteria.
- Potential cost savings were identified and ranked by drug, physician, patient, and pharmacy.
- Pharmacists provided academic detailing to physicians regarding cost-saving opportunities.
Main Results:
- Review of 167,684 claims identified nearly $280,000 in potential drug cost savings.
- Academic detailing resulted in over $12,000 in monthly drug cost savings for three months.
- The program successfully targeted physicians with the highest potential for savings.
Conclusions:
- Computerized drug-use review effectively identifies significant drug cost-saving opportunities.
- Targeted physician education (academic detailing) leads to measurable cost reductions.
- Clinical pharmacy services can optimize drug spending in managed care settings.