G. Caleb Alexander, M.D., of the University of Chicago, and colleagues analyzed 519 responses to a national random sample mail survey of cardiologists and general internists to determine why physicians often do not communicate with patients about out-of-pocket prescription costs, even though previous research indicates that out-of pocket costs may lead to cost-related failure to use prescribed medication and threaten quality of care and that physicians and patients value such discussions.
The researchers found that the most common barriers to physician-patient communication about out-of-pocket costs were lack of habit, insufficient time and concern over patient discomfort. "Despite barriers, physicians use multiple strategies that may vary in efficacy to assist patients burdened by these costs," the authors write. The most common strategies were switching to a generic drug, using office samples and discontinuing nonessential medicines. "Further work is needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these strategies," the authors conclude.
How Physicians Try to Reduce Patients' Prescription Costs
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