PHARMACOTHERAPY - STRATEGIES TO CONTROL DRUG COSTS IN MANAGED CARE

Pharmacotherapy remains one of the most cost-effective interventions p hysicians can provide to manage the medical conditions of older patien ts. Because many older Americans have multiple diseases, the practitio ner's goal is to maximize appropriate drug use while avoiding duplicat ive or interacting medications. Medicare managed care plans seek to pr ovide appropriate medication for the older patient at a reasonable cos t through such strategies as formularies, prior authorization, generic and therapeutic substitution, and drug utilization, review. Yet, like the medications themselves, these strategies require careful attentio n to their risks and benefits to the individual patient.