[Measures to reduce costs for prescriptions in Vienna--preliminary analysis].
BACKGROUND
To increase the rate of prescriptions for generic drugs in Vienna an information campaign was started in 2004 and quality circles for prescribing doctors were organized. Since the result of this initiative is not yet known publicly this report aims to present a preliminary analysis.


METHODS
The prescription statements kindly provided by the health insurance fund of Vienna could be analysed. Data from the Chamber of Viennese Physicians were used for compiling a report about the quality circles.


RESULTS
A total of 17 quality circles with an average of 15 participants were formed; they met four times yearly. Participants were paid for their attendance. The rate of prescribed generic drugs in Vienna has continuously improved, with the major increase in the first year of the activities. In the year 2006 a rate of over 40% generic prescriptions was reached by 80% of general practitioners.


CONCLUSIONS
This cooperation between the health insurance fund and doctors apparently resulted in both an increase in the rate of generic drugs prescribed and in a good acceptance among physicians.
Abteilung für Allgemeinmedizin, Zentrumfür Public Health, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Osterreich. hans.toenies@meduniwien.ac.at
Hans
H
Tönies
D001317:Austria; D003284:Contract Services / Q000191:economics; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016568:Drugs, Generic / Q000191:economics*; D004470:Economics, Medical; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008332:Management Quality Circles; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D013038:Specialization
D016568:Drugs, Generic