Pharmacy

MCOs already are addressing drug use inefficiencies via formularies, prior authorization, education and benchmarking

This Managed Healthcare Executive supplement was produced through an unrestristed educational grant from Bayer Corporation. The views and opinions in this supplement are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect the views of Managed Healthcare Executive, Advanstar Communications Inc., or Advanstar Medical Education Services. Copyright 2002 Advanstar Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

Moxifloxacin (Avelox?) is a relatively new fluoroquinolone available in both oral and intravenous formulations. Extensive clinical analysis and postmarketing surveys suggest that moxifloxacin is safe and well tolerated.

This article reviews the efficacy of fluoroquinolones for treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and discusses clinical advantages of fluoroquinolones relative to other drug classes. Of 19 randomized, controlled trials comparing a fluoroquinolone with another agent or combination of agents in CAP, 6 trials have demonstrated superiority of the fluoroquinolone with respect to clinical and/or bacteriologic efficacy.

A roundtable discussion with Vincent T. Andriole, MD, Chairperson; Paul B. Iannini, MD; Lionel A. Mandell, MD, FRCPC; Charles H. Nightingale, PhD; Lance R. Peterson, MD

The emergence of antibiotic resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae and other bacterial pathogens is, in part, responsible for the increase in infectious-disease–related mortality occurring between 1980 and 1992.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters serve as guidelines for selecting antimicrobial agents and dose regimens that will maximize efficacy and suppress resistance.

The history of the newer quinolone agents began with the discovery of nalidixic acid in 1962. This ultimately led to the development of many newer quinolones, some of which have unique properties.

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Subsidies for low-income seniors, tiered copays and PBMs offered in bothproposals

Prevention medicine could evolve from the reactionary status quo to lower trend cost and provide more effective delivery

Caseworker mechanisms, self care must better integrate to earn seals of approval

More prescribing drives up drug spend more than price hikes

Seeking help for depression is finally losing some of its stigma. The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS) 2001 Annual Survey Report, "Trends in Behavioral Healthcare Systems," says both hospital occupancy and outpatient visits for behavioral health problems increased 11% and nearly 12%, respectively, between 1999 and 2000.

Healthcare-specific applications and marketing techniques are among other advantages of CRM software

National Reports - Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield was looking to increase the awareness of generic drugs among physicians and patients.

Washington, D.C. - Health plans and payers will save money inthe long run if they spend more on newer medicines that can keep patientshealthy and lower healthcare expenditures overall. That's the conclusionof several economists at a recent briefing hosted by the American EnterpriseInstitute and the National Pharmaceutical Council.

PBMs redefine their role in the wake of class-action lawsuits and a slightly skeptical payer community

Washington, D.C. - One way to make a Medicare pharmacy benefit more affordable for Uncle Sam is to increase prescribing of generic products, according to the Generic Pharmaceutical Assn.

Health plans demand outcomes-based evidence to support reference pricing for new drug therapies.

Health plans demand more information to gauge real value of new pharmaceuticals.

As consumers become more educated, generic drugs could secure the long-term affordability of prescription medications

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-The Nov. 20 issue of Health Care News reported an alarmingstatistic: 22% of all adults neglected to fill at least one prescriptionlast year due to cost. Harris Interactive's nationwide telephone surveyof 1,010 adults, conducted in June 2001, revealed the fact, which affectsthe well-being of our nation's population, as well as its economy.

MCOs implement multi-tier benefit to slow drug-spending growth, but future fiscal controls could limit access

We know health affects productivity, but do we understand how work affects health?

How diabetes works and who it targets.

With a virtual epidemic of diabetes threatening the U.S., it's time for new and improved management approaches.

Third-party physician credentialing could keep providers focused on their core businesses

The September terrorist attacks and the subsequent anthrax scare haveprompted managed care organizations, healthcare providers and governmentagencies to expand emergency preparedness efforts and reevaluate policiesand programs. Stung by criticism of its confusing response to the bioterrorismthreat, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has created anew Office of Preparedness and brought in new infectious disease and vaccineexperts to rescue the situation.