An interdisciplinary effort to help patients with limited prescription drug benefits afford their medication.
BACKGROUND
Patients without prescription benefits present a significant challenge to health care providers. The inability of patients to afford medication may serve as a barrier to adherence and may ultimately result in poor patient outcomes. In this report, we describe the system used at a university-based adult internal medicine center to assist patients in affording medication.


METHODS
Patients in need of prescription assistance are identified by any member of the interdisciplinary team, which consists of physicians, clinical pharmacists, nurses, a social worker, a financial counselor, and a dietitian. Medication profiles are reviewed to identify less expensive alternatives. State, federal, institutional, and pharmaceutical company assistance program eligibility is determined, and the appropriate program is accessed.


RESULTS
The described approach is effective in assisting patients without prescription benefits with the procurement of medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of this interdisciplinary approach is an innovative solution to a common problem encountered in the outpatient setting.
Prutting
S M
SM
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2302, USA.
Cerveny
J D
JD
MacFarlane
L L
LL
Wiley
M K
MK
D000328:Adult; D016527:Drug Costs; D004345:Drug Industry; D005378:Financial Support; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007342:Insurance Benefits; D007356:Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services; D008484:Medicaid; D013022:South Carolina; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States