Description: Presented at October 2001 Annual Meeting. Panelists provide insight into the factors driving the cost increase of prescription drugs and how these factors are being addressed. Strategies include drug utilization review, manufacturer contracting, benefit design, formularies, pharmaceutical pricing, therapeutic substitution, physical education, and introduction of new pharmaceuticals. Also discussed are pharmacoeconomic benefit considerations when studying integrated medical and pharmacy expenses.

Description: This report evaluates alternative payment models that potentially could be instituted by healthcare payers and manufacturers.