Does a One-Size-Fits-All Cost-Sharing Approach Incentivize Appropriate Medication Use? A Roundtable on the Fairness and Ethics Associated with Variable Cost Sharing.

Background: Tiered formularies, in which patients pay copays or coinsurance out-of-pocket (OOP), are used to manage costs and encourage more efficient health care resource use. Formulary tiers are typically based on the cost of treatment rather than the medical appropriateness for the patient. Cost sharing may have unintended consequences on treatment adherence and health outcomes.

Beyond the cost of biologics: employer survey reveals gap in understanding role of specialty pharmacy and benefit design.

Background: Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of many new medical therapies for a variety of diseases. These agents, known as biologics or specialty drugs, represent the fastest-growing segment of pharmaceuticals. They have often proved effective in cases where conventional medications have failed; however, they can cost up to $350,000 per patient annually.

Menopausal symptom perception and severity: results from a screening questionnaire.

Background: Although it is widely acknowledged women experience symptoms during their transition from reproductive to postreproductive stage, there is inconsistency as to the prevalence of symptoms as well as their severity ratings.

Aim And Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe symptom perception and severity in mid-life women volunteering for an intervention study for menopause symptom management.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to provide data on presenting symptoms in a sample of women negotiating the menopausal transition.