Express Scripts FoundationAbout Us
Outcomes Conference 2009
CONFERENCE RECAP
2008 Drug Trend Report: Positioned for Change, Now More Than Ever
Brian Seiz, Vice President, Clinical Programs, Express Scripts
AUDIO 20 MB (41:42) (audio file)
SLIDES 4 MB (PPT file)
In 2008, drug trend for Express Scripts plan sponsors was at a record low of 1.5% for traditional drugs. Although the 15.4% trend for specialty drugs is much higher, the overall trend combining specialty and traditional drugs amounted to just 3%, substantially less that we've seen in recent years. By using trend-management tools designed to drive out waste and improve health outcomes, about 40% of our clients actually achieved a negative trend in 2008. Express Scripts' industry-leading generic fill rate played a great role in slowing trend, but we're not there yet. Underutilization of generic alternatives cost the U.S. $42 billion last year. For more on the 2008 Drug Trend Report, read the press release.
Surprising Science II: Does Gain Require Pain When Managing the Pharmacy Benefit?
Emily Cox, RPh, PhD, Senior Director, Research, Express Scripts
AUDIO 19 MB (41:19) (audio file)
SLIDES 2 MB (PPT file)
The work of managing drug trend has typically focused on balancing cost and quality. Often the assumption is that improving quality of care means spending more, and that lowering costs means lowering quality. However, there is growing evidence that costs can be reduced without impacting quality. For over 15 years, the Express Scripts Research Department has been producing evidence-based studies to evaluate both the cost savings and quality of our trend-management tools. Presenting results from three additional studies evaluating Exclusive Home Delivery, formulary change and step therapy, Dr. Cox demonstrated how these trend-management tools can control costs while maintaining and, in some instances, improving patient outcomes.
Innovation That Matters II: Clinical Solutions ― The Good, The Bad and The Unrealistic
Steve Miller, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Research & Clinical Services, Express Scripts
AUDIO 21 MB (45:19) (audio file)
SLIDES 16 MB (PPT file)
The need to eliminate waste from the pharmacy benefit has produced progressive initiatives with tremendous potential ― if they receive needed support from government and private-sector leadership. Electronic prescribing is growing, thanks to incentive programs for physician adoption, with estimated potential annual savings in the billions, but these figures are controversial. Genomics and personalized medicine fall into a similar category. The potential for improved outcomes and cost savings are attractive but still unproven. Adopting a pathway for biosimilars is a here-and-now opportunity. By 2012, $1 of every $4 spent on pharmacy will be for specialty biologic drugs. But to ensure a pathway for FDA approval of generic biologic medications, you need to make your voice heard by going to www.therightprescription.org. Finally, there's money in the government stimulus plan for clinical comparison research on drugs, devices and procedures. This is similar to how our Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee evaluates data for formulary decisions. We strongly support this move and believe it validates our model.
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