Study: Costs Get In Way of Cancer Patients Refilling Their Prescriptions
CQ HealthBeat: Cost Inhibits Cancer Patients From Filling Prescriptions, Study SaysAbout 10 percent of cancer patients aren't taking the oral medicines they need either because of the cost or they feel they are already taking too many other drugs, according to a study released by health-care consulting company Avalere Health late Wednesday. The study, published jointly in the Journal of Oncology Practice and the American Journal of Managed Care, looks at the relatively new practice of giving cancer patients drugs orally instead of just intravenous treatment, which has been the norm.The research was based on an analysis Avalere Health conducted using pharmacy-transaction data from 2007 to 2009. About 25 percent to 35 percent of cancer medicines are now taken orally (5/18). This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
