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Med compliance could save $290B yearly
If patients just took their meds as directed, pharma sales would grow significantly. That's why drugmakers have been trying all sorts of ways to remind folks to take their pills: mailings from the pharmacy, emails, you name it.
Maybe the government should join in on the compliance push. After all, cutting healthcare costs is one of the big aims of the U.S. reform push right now. And a new study shows that medication compliance could save the U.S. $290 billion a year, or 13 percent of total healthcare costs. That's because so many of today's drugs address chronic conditions and, ironically, people with chronic illness are worst at taking their meds. And by skipping drugs, chronically ill folks experience complications that then have to be treated, often in the hospital.
For instance, PharmaTimes reports, diabetics who don't take their meds as directed have almost twice the total annual healthcare costs as those who do, at $16,498 compared with $8,886. Considering how many people have diabetes in the U.S., that difference could total quite a sum.
- read the PharmaTimes story
- see the item at PharmaGossip
Related Articles:
President, House agitate for more drug cuts
Drugmakers pledge $80B to health reform
Drugmakers lobby hard for reform they'll like
U.S. drug spending tops the globe
Comments
By Alex Bettencourt | Posted 2:43pm | August 19, 2009
I know from personal experience why it’s overwhelming to manage all your medications, but if this is costing our country $290 billion, this is ridiculous.
This number is only going to get bigger if we don’t find solutions. I’m fortunate enough to work for RememberItNow! addressing this EXACT issue.
We are new online health service where patients can set and send medication reminders via text message/email, create a care community, and manage their health care.
Really though, it’s a great service, and I’m proud to be part of this team. Pam Swingley developed RememberItNow! to help take care of her father’s Glaucoma and heart conditions. You can watch their story here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJXYaT9KseA
For more information visit us: www.RememberItNow.com
Or email me if you are interested in a free beta trial: abettencourt@rememberitnow.com
By Peter Radsliff | Posted 2:06am | August 23, 2009
Medication compliance is a tremendously important topic. Here is an interesting approach to using two different technologies -- paper-based and telephone-based -- to solve the age-old behavioral problem of "taking your meds." http://bit.ly/2ym1XS
By John Krans | Posted 11:14am | October 11, 2009
The Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser with Alarm is a medication reminder and automated pill dispenser in one easy to use device. The most affordable device of its kind, the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser is ideal for use in both the home and care centers. The Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser gives patients, caregivers, and loved ones peace of mind by ensuring that only the prescribed dose of medication is available and patient compliance is achieved.
Designed with safety and convenience in mind, the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser features a secured, tamper-proof, locking key system to avoid over-medication. With 28 medication compartments, the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser can be used for medication taken up to 4 times daily. Three different alarm tones and a blinking light alert the patient when medication needs to be taken and will not turn off until the pill dispenser is tilted on its side to dispense the pills. The Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser includes three discs that can be inserted to indicate the day of the week and the time of day depending on the number of doses needed daily. Despite its compact size, the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser also features the largest pill compartments of any other pill dispenser.
The Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser is designed especially for the elderly, Alzheimer's patients, visually or mentally impaired, and patients with complicated daily medical regimes. Caregiver facilities can enjoy the savings the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser brings them by reducing the need for personnel to distribute medication. Enjoy convenience and peace of mind when you buy the Med-E-Lert Automatic Pill Dispenser.
For More Information And Sample Contact
John Krans
716-907-3395 (US Phone)
jlk9494@yahoo.com
www.medelertblog.com
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