RT Journal
A1 Alexander G, Casalino LP, Meltzer DO
T1 PHysician strategies to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket prescription costs
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2005
FD March 28
VO 165
IS 6
SP 633
OP 636
DO 10.1001/archinte.165.6.633
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.165.6.633
AB Background 
    Physicians often do not communicate with patients about out-of-pocket costs, although research indicates that physicians and patients value such discussion.Methods 
    Cross-sectional national random sample mail survey of 1400 cardiologists and general internists to quantify barriers to communication about out-of-pocket costs and strategies used to assist patients in order of likelihood (from 5 [extremely likely] to 1 [not at all likely]).Results 
    Overall, 519 (39.1%) of 1328 eligible physicians responded to the survey. The most common barriers were lack of habit, insufficient time, and concern over patient discomfort. The most common strategies used to assist patients were switching to a generic drug (mean, 4.34; SD, 0.86), using office samples (mean, 4.16; SD, 1.22), and discontinuing nonessential medicines (mean, 4.03; SD, 0.99). There were no statistically significant differences between cardiologists and general internists in barriers or strategies examined (P<.05).Conclusions 
    Our findings suggest that patient-physician communication about out-of-pocket costs is a problem affecting specialists and generalists nationwide. Despite barriers, physicians use multiple strategies that may vary in efficacy to assist patients burdened by these costs.