The MS Center of Saint Louis: a practice perspective of the impacts of high cost sharing.
As treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) has become increasingly expensive, patients have had to shoulder a greater cost-sharing burden. This case study follows a fictitious patient as she encounters the common cost-related barriers to treatment that have been observed by providers at the MS Center of Saint Louis. Medications, tests to monitor patient safety on medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical equipment, mental health counseling, transportation, and modifications to house or vehicles are all common needs of MS patients that increase their cost burden. The MS Center of Saint Louis provides care management and education to help patients budget for expected expenses and navigate resources for assistance. However, this will ultimately be an unsustainable solution without substantial policy change.
MS Center of Saint Louis, 1176 Town and Country Commons, Chesterfield, MO 63017. E-mail: finkmk@mercy.net.
Katherine
K
Upshur
D017047:Cost Sharing / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006278:Medicare / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D014481:United States