Online Tool Compares Drug Costs

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

A recent study found doctors and patients could both benefit from web-based drug pricing resources.        

According to a recent study by Community Catalyst, both patients and providers have an interest in using an online drug cost comparison tool. Health Data Management notes the tool compares the prices of brand name and generic prescription drugs at pharmacies in a selected zip code.

For the study, researchers gave physicians hypothetical resources that showed out-of-pocket costs for drugs at local pharmacies. After viewing these resources, doctors agreed data like this would lead to conversations about affordability, reduce non-adherence, and improve patient engagement.

“A majority of patients under age 65 face high and increasing out-of-pocket medication costs that interfere with their treatment,” explains the report. “When polled separately, most physicians and patients report an interest in better addressing drug costs and affordability issues, but only a small percentage of physicians know the prices of medications or discuss affordability with their patients. This may be due to the fact that drug prices are not transparent to prescribers or patients and that out-of-pocket costs for insured patients can vary widely.

“Most respondents helped patients obtain lower costs by prescribing generics and providing samples. Drug company promotions, discounts or patient assistance programs were also used. Physicians responded enthusiastically to our resource, believing that it would save staff time and increase the efficiency of their practices.”

Researchers concluded, “Our study suggests that a web-based drug pricing resource would likely be quickly adopted by physicians and other prescribers, particularly those who are already concerned about the cost burden that medications pose for their patients.”