Bridging the Gap: Prescription Affordability Requires Doctor Participation
Doctors have a responsibility to help patients afford their medication.
It is well-established that high out-of-pocket costs result in lower medication adherence. With most patients throughout Africa paying out-of-pocket for their outpatient medications, it is not surprising that only 1 in 3 take their medications as prescribed.
Access to affordable medications is a major challenge throughout Africa and doctors have a role to play if they want to improve patient outcomes. In this article, we explore ways in which doctors can actively help patients with prescription affordability.
DISCUSS FINANCES
One of the most important things doctors can do help patients with affordability is to discuss the financial aspects of their treatment. On the one hand, an open discussion gives patients the opportunity to explain their financial situation. At the same time, it gives doctors the opportunity to collaborative explore alternative treatment options, explain some of the financial options available to patients and advise on the implications of non-adherence.
CONSIDER GENERICS
By proactively suggesting or prescribing generic medications, doctors can play a pivotal role in reducing treatment costs without compromising quality of care. In fact, as discussed in one of our previous posts, generic medicines are more affordable than branded counterparts and still offer desired therapeutic outcomes.
PROMOTE PAPs
Many pharmaceutical companies offer Patient Access Programmes (PAPs) to help individuals afford their medications. These programmes provide significantly discounted medications or financing options to those who qualify based on financial need.
By actively keeping informed about these programmes, doctors can help eligible patients apply for these programs. Alternatively, a few healthcare apps are integrated with manufacturer PAP offerings and doctors could use these technology options to improve affordability-related adherence.
COLLABORATE WITH PHARMACISTS
One of the main benefits of generic medicines is increased accessibility which makes treatment costs more affordable and more widely available.
As previously highlighted, branded medications tend to be priced higher. Thus, many patients cannot afford to buy the branded medications needed to treat their illness. In addition, many branded medications are selectively distributed within a healthcare system.
Allowing several generic brands to enter a market introduces competition, which, in turn, results in lower medication prices. At the same time, competition increases availability as generic brands explore new geographies to win business.
CONCLUSION
Ensuring that patients can afford their medications is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of doctors. In fact, a proactive approach by doctors is key to empowering patients with the ability to lower prescription costs, increase therapeutic adherence and live healthier, happier lives.