November/December 2014

This study of patients treated with pregabalin or duloxetine found that pregabalin prior authorization policies were associated with increased exposure to potential medication-medication and medication-condition interactions.

Less than one-fourth of Part D beneficiaries reported switching plans. Elderly beneficiaries who reported switching did not realize significant savings in prescription costs over nonswitchers.

While fibromyalgia is associated with a small increase in healthcare costs compared with matched controls, chronic opioid use in these patients results in a large increase.

A budget-impact model illustrates the economic outcomes associated with renoprotective therapy on privately insured patients with advanced kidney disease.

The intended audience for this activity consists of medical directors, pharmacy directors, pharmacy benefit managers, and other managed care professionals who are involved with the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome.

In this retrospective chart review, patients with hepatitis C had a sustained virologic response with either dual or triple therapy.

Since the introduction of biologics to treat rheumatoid arthritis, there has been a reduction in total hip and total knee replacement surgeries among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Annual rates of increase in oncology drug utilization, drug price, and plan spending are quantified and potential contributors are explored.

The time is now to develop a consensus on how patient needs, health plan sustainability, and government regulations intertwine to create a more patient-focused insurance marketplace.