In future, not filling prescriptions issued for a chronic health condition could earn you a follow up from your insurance company. The Detroit Free Press reports that some Michigan health plans are starting to track whether or not patients on diabetes meds, antidepressants, or on drugs for asthma and heart problems are filling their prescriptions. When they identify patients who are not following through with their doctors' prescribed treatments, they may mail a reminder notice or even notify their doctors. The thinking is that many patients just need a little education on the importance of their prescription meds and the fact that many take a while to start working.Invasive? Maybe. But the big insurers are concerned to do all they can to get their clients healthy. They realize that preventative care and sticking with prescribed treatment plans are both critical to getting people healthy and, therefore, reducing the necessity for insurance payouts. For example, this particular article cites a study which said that up to twenty percent of hospital and nursing home admissions result simply because patients are not taking their prescriptions or they are taking them incorrectly.
1. Do you know how many of your patients can't afford to comply with their treatment regimen? These patients aren't going to walk into your office wearing sandwich boards that proclaim their financial situation. The most effective way to find out who can't afford their medications is to take the time to ask.
Posted at 5:31AM on Aug 15th 2006 by Kate