Article
Methods of intervention by health insurance companies, illustrated by the example of covering letters written to physicians
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Published: | November 12, 2007 |
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Context: The objects of this intervention were Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI), which were named in target agreements between Regional Associations of Social Health Insurance-accredited Physicians and Associations of Health Insurance and also listed in numerous publications with regard to evidence, effectiveness und efficiency.
The prescription of antacids from the class of Proton Pump Inhibitors has increased six fold in the last 10 years. Both the preference of Omeprazol compared to analoga (Esomeprazol, Lansoprazol, Pantoprazol, and Rabeprazol) and the choice of beneficial Omeprazol-Generics allow an effective and cost efficient therapy by guidelines.
Aim of the study: Aim of the study was to analyse prescription patterns of Proton Pump Inhibitors concerning their quality and reasonable price, and furthermore to sensitise doctor’s surgeries with noticeable prescription quantities for this topic.
Material and Methods: From a statutory health insurance (HZK, about 110,000 members), person-specific but non-identifying prescription data from 2006 was analysed for the prescription of PPI.
A following letter, with attached answer sheet, was sent to those surgeries with conspicuous prescription patterns of PPI, containing information about their personal prescriptions and references to relevant literature.
Results: Examining the prescriptions of all physicians in regard to the chemical agent, 52.1% of the DDD’s were covered by Omeprazol, 23.4% by Pantoprazol and 19.2% by Esomeprazol. About 85 physicians, who prescribed drugs of this agent group, showed a downward tendency in the percentage of Omeprazol-prescriptions. The feedback of the doctors received to date has judged the study favourably for its information content and practical relevance. (The response has just started).
Conclusions: Involving a relative small health insurance company, it was difficult to obtain a convincing number of cases from each surgery. However, this health insurance company is also concerned to attract the attention of the physicians. Quality and efficiency of drug therapy has to be regarded independent of the number of prescriptions.