Formulary fundamentals: ethical rules a must when limits put on what can be prescribed

Article Abstract:

Drug formularies are a fact of life in today's managed-healthcare environment, but there are several ethical issues involved. These issues were laid out in a report by the AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, in which the council recommended that physicians contact regulators if they perceive inappropriate influence on formulary development, that they also campaign to get drugs added to the approved list if patients would benefit and that managed care plans inform enrolling patients upfront about formularies and other measures used to control costs.

HEALTH SERVICES, Health Plan Administration, Editorial, Drugs, Medicine, Ethical aspects, Prescriptions (Drugs), Health insurance industry, Medical formularies

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In medicine too: what goes around comes around

Article Abstract:

Primary care physicians, including specialists in pediatrics, family practice and internal medicine, are assuming greater responsibility for the total care of patients because of the rules of managed care plans. However, physicians complain that insurance companies hamper the use of diagnostic tests. To avoid delays, increasing numbers of patients go to medical emergency departments, an expensive alternative. Health insurers need to improve customer services.

Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, Management, Column, Health insurance

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