12-16-2006, 06:47 AM
On a more serious note: The cost of drugs for members is a big expense in our HMO. To try to control costs, we have a drug formulary, divided into class a, b , c drugs. The A drugs can be prescribed willy nilly, They are the tried and true and include generics. Class b are more expensive and second line drugs. To prescribe these, a list of indications has to be met, sometimes including failure on cheaper drugs, (if appropriate). More restrictions on class c. To go outside the formulary requires a major effort and is considered on a case by case basis. Even so, drugs remain a major, major expense.
The VA which provides drugs at low or no cost has a formulary of about 1200 drugs versus the 4500 drugs in most hospital formularies. The VA will not offer a drug that has been on the market less than 3-4 years.
It successfully controls cost.
The VA which provides drugs at low or no cost has a formulary of about 1200 drugs versus the 4500 drugs in most hospital formularies. The VA will not offer a drug that has been on the market less than 3-4 years.
It successfully controls cost.