Physicians push for cheaper, more accessible medications

The AMA considered a number of prescription drug issues in the context of finding a solution to the problems of drug errors and pricey prescriptions.

By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff. July 7, 2003.

Chicago -- Physicians at the AMA's Annual Meeting last month made clear their interest in prescription drug issues -- especially those related to linking patients with more effective, less expensive medications and ensuring that these meds are taken as directed.

"We're concerned about the availability of medications for our patients," said AMA President-elect John C. Nelson, MD, MPH. "We are aware of a crisis and that it can cause a hardship for people. We don't want -- in particular our seniors -- to have to make a decision between paying the rent or food and buying their medications."

The Association took action regarding the role of pharmacy benefit managers, drug inserts and the refill process.

The AMA will work to develop legislation and regulation to increase the transparency of the business practices of pharmaceutical benefit managers to minimize conflicts of interest with drug manufacturers, health plans, employers and physicians. Doctors complained that all too often that information is proprietary.

"We're not opposed to working with those who have expertise in pharmaceuticals," said Dr. Nelson. "But we feel that some other motive, such as cost cutting, should not take the place of quality concerns."

The AMA also will team up with the Food and Drug Administration to make medication package inserts more readable and will join forces with various associations of pharmacists and drug stores to streamline the refill process. Physicians had complained that this process continues to be too cumbersome.