The payer side: patient outcomes and cost.
Payers and clinicians share a commitment to successful clinical outcomes in patients with acute or chronic pain. However, there are several issues that concern payers and managed care plans, including the cost of therapy and the cost of treating side effects. This article reviews the economic implications of pain management and the need to provide care in a clinically and economically responsible way. The article also addresses the value of medications to patients, the need for more judicious use of very expensive medications, and the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Fish
Leslie
L
Pharmacy Services, Fallon Community Health Plan, Worcester, MA 01609, USA. leslie.fish@fchp.org
Nicholson
Bruce D
BD
D000208:Acute Disease; D000700:Analgesics / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000191:economics*; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors