Prescription drug benefits in a managed care plan: balancing quality and costs.
As health care expenditures increase, managed care plans are placing increasing scrutiny on quality of care and cost issues. If a managed care prescription drug benefit program is well designed, however, pharmaceuticals can help decrease the use of other health care services. The result is a healthier bottom line that balances quality and costs. Ultimately, a sound drug benefit in a managed care program will reduce the need for surgical interventions, shorten or eliminate hospital stays, improve overall quality of life, and increase productivity.
Heenan
J
J
Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI.
D017046:Cost Savings; D003625:Data Collection; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007356:Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services / Q000191:economics*; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011306:Prescription Fees; D014481:United States