ST. LOUIS, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Express Scripts today announced findings from a study indicating that patient education and involvement can strongly impact the use of cost saving drugs included in preferred drug lists called formularies. The Patient Formulary Change Notification Study was conducted in collaboration with a large national health insurer and was published in the July/August 2005 issue of Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy.
Express Scripts identified a list of 30 chronic use medications that were changing formulary status and identified over 6,500 individuals who were taking one or more of these medications. These individuals were randomized, based upon their plan type, in two segments with 3,387 becoming a part of the “control” set and 3,131 placed in the “intervention” group.
The intervention group received personalized letters informing them of the change in formulary status of their medication. It then identified therapeutically equivalent formulary drug alternatives, both generic and branded, that offered cost savings opportunities. The letter also recommended that members contact their physician about switching to the new drugs.
Examining pharmacy claims for both groups 110 days after the date of the mailing, the study found that among those enrolled with the same health plan over the entire period, 24.2% of the drug regimens of patients who received a letter were switched to the recommended formulary drug alternative, compared to 14.7% of the regimens of patients who were not sent a letter.
Within some therapies, the impact of the letter was even more dramatic. For example, among those taking pravastatin, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, 40.9% of those who received the letter switched to the preferred alternative, compared to 19.2% of those who did not receive the letter.
“Sharing information on impending formulary changes and identifying the therapeutically equivalent alternatives available helps patients participate more actively in their medication decision-making,” said Emily Cox, PhD, Senior Director of Research at Express Scripts. “The research suggests that patient education can play a significant role in increasing formulary adherence, lowering patient co-payments and reducing overall drug expenditures.”
Express Scripts conducted the Patient Formulary Change Notification Study to help the market better understand how patient awareness of medication management strategies and practical knowledge about therapeutic alternatives and cost impact can help curtail rising drug expenditures. For additional information or a copy of study report please contact Steve Littlejohn at 314.702.7556 or slittlejohn@express-scripts.com.
Express Scripts, Inc. is one of the largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies in North America, providing PBM services to over 50 million patients through facilities in 13 states and Canada. Express Scripts serves thousands of client groups, including managed-care organizations, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, employers and union-sponsored benefit plans.
Express Scripts provides integrated PBM services, including network pharmacy claims processing, mail pharmacy services, benefit design consultation, drug utilization review, formulary management, disease management, medical and drug data analysis services, and medical information management services. The Company also provides distribution services for specialty pharmaceuticals through its Specialty Distribution subsidiary. Express Scripts is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. More information can be found at http://www.express-scripts.com , which includes expanded investor information and resources.
Express Scripts, Inc.
CONTACT: Steve Littlejohn of Express Scripts, +1-314-702-7556,slittlejohn@express-scripts.com
Web site: http://www.express-scripts.com/
