Since there's a general belief that the pharmaceutical industry invents new diseases, we thought we'd get in on the fun with Part D Denial Disorder or PD3.
The unfortunate symptoms of PD3 are easy to spot: feelings of inadequacy when it comes to the private sector, the irrational belief that senior citizens have no cognitive abilities and, non-dietary aversion to donut holes. A less severe but related condition has been identified as Pelosian Ideation Syndrome (PIS) -- which can manifest itself through both disorientation and lack of balance.
If you feel you may suffer from PD3 stop reading this blog immediately and log onto the Public Citizen website for immediate relief.
A new study, funded by PhRMA and conducted by the Amundson Group, shows (among other interesting things) that in 2005 the average Medicare beneficiary filled 2.5 prescriptions per month -- but in 2006 (and with Part D coverage) that number jumped to 4.0 prescriptions per month. (The study found that the increase was consistent across all ages.)
The study also measured the average out-of-pocket cost for each day's supply of medication. And to those PD3-free readers, the findings should come as no surprise -- a per unit measure shows a 74% reduction in patients' out-of-pocket costs from $1.58 BPD (Before Part D) to 40 cents APD (After Part D).
More access at lower cost. Pretty sweet double play.
As for positive patient outcomes, the study measured the impact of Part D on access to drugs for specific chronic conditions that are highly prevalent in the Medicare population: Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis -- all conditions that are often undertreated.
For each of these chronic conditions, the study found that there was a significant increase in the number of prescriptions filled per month -- suggesting that patients with these conditions are getting treatment under Part D that they were not previously receiving.
Note: In rare but advanced cases of PD3, symptoms can also include the belief that chronic disease should not be treated early and aggressively and the inability to differentiate between Santa Claus and the Non-Interference Clause.
If, after reading this blog, you are experiencing feelings of guilt and inadequacy, please consult a specialist -- Dr. Mark McClellan.
To view the complete study, click on the link below:
http://www.phrma.org/files/Amundsen_Study.pdf
The unfortunate symptoms of PD3 are easy to spot: feelings of inadequacy when it comes to the private sector, the irrational belief that senior citizens have no cognitive abilities and, non-dietary aversion to donut holes. A less severe but related condition has been identified as Pelosian Ideation Syndrome (PIS) -- which can manifest itself through both disorientation and lack of balance.
If you feel you may suffer from PD3 stop reading this blog immediately and log onto the Public Citizen website for immediate relief.
A new study, funded by PhRMA and conducted by the Amundson Group, shows (among other interesting things) that in 2005 the average Medicare beneficiary filled 2.5 prescriptions per month -- but in 2006 (and with Part D coverage) that number jumped to 4.0 prescriptions per month. (The study found that the increase was consistent across all ages.)
The study also measured the average out-of-pocket cost for each day's supply of medication. And to those PD3-free readers, the findings should come as no surprise -- a per unit measure shows a 74% reduction in patients' out-of-pocket costs from $1.58 BPD (Before Part D) to 40 cents APD (After Part D).
More access at lower cost. Pretty sweet double play.
As for positive patient outcomes, the study measured the impact of Part D on access to drugs for specific chronic conditions that are highly prevalent in the Medicare population: Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis -- all conditions that are often undertreated.
For each of these chronic conditions, the study found that there was a significant increase in the number of prescriptions filled per month -- suggesting that patients with these conditions are getting treatment under Part D that they were not previously receiving.
Note: In rare but advanced cases of PD3, symptoms can also include the belief that chronic disease should not be treated early and aggressively and the inability to differentiate between Santa Claus and the Non-Interference Clause.
If, after reading this blog, you are experiencing feelings of guilt and inadequacy, please consult a specialist -- Dr. Mark McClellan.
To view the complete study, click on the link below:
http://www.phrma.org/files/Amundsen_Study.pdf
