A new study suggests that consumers can save money and potentially use their health insurance policies less frequently by taking advantage of workplace and pharmacy wellness programs.
According to researchers from Take Care Health Systems, patients who participate in such programs tend to be about 10 percent more likely to stick to their medication routines. The study appears in the current issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.
The researchers point out that failing to stick to medication routines is thought to result in $100 billion in added healthcare costs each year.
"Having care accessibly located at the worksite allows employees to build a trusted, face-to-face relationship with both their clinicians and pharmacists, providing an opportunity to engage in a dialogue about their condition and treatment plan, and ultimately, promote patient adherence through education and communication," said researcher Dr. Sharon Frazee.
The report notes that patients who skip medication because of financial concerns can use generic medication to help themselves stay on track.
While this is just one issue in the world of healthcare costs, consumers can go a long way towards holding down their medical costs by taking care of themselves and following doctors' orders whenever possible.
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Posted: July 10, 2009
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