Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8191

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Hotchkiss BD, Pearson C, Lisitano R.
Pharmacy coordination of an indigent care program in a psychiatric facility.
Am J Health Syst Pharm 1998 Jun 15; 55:(12):1293-6
http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/reprint/55/12/1293

Abstract:

The development of an indigent care program coordinated by a pharmacy technician in a state psychiatric center is described. The technician assigned to this project identifies patients likely to qualify for such assistance, helps patients apply for prescription assistance from pharmaceutical manufacturers, and coordinates the receipt and distribution of the resulting medical supplies. During the first 8 months of 1997, savings to the pharmacy remained constant and averaged $7146/month. During the same period, an average of 48 patients received supplies each month. The savings exceeded the pharmacy’s personnel costs sixfold.

Keywords:
Connecticut Drug Costs Hospitals, Psychiatric/economics Hospitals, Psychiatric/organization & administration* Humans Medical Indigency* Pharmacy Service, Hospital/economics Pharmacy Service, Hospital/organization & administration* Program Development Program Evaluation