| Most of my audience are stakeholders in the medical expense world. Whether it be for workers’ comp or group health, we are all impacted by rising costs. And this is nowhere more evident than in prescription drug usage.
A new study published in JAMA quantifies what is “obvious” to those of us in the industry as it pertains to prescription drug use over the last decade:
- 59% of Americans are on scripts (up from 51%);
- Polypharmacy usage (5 or more scripts) doubled.
Eighty percent of the most commonly used drugs treat components of the “cardiometabolic syndrome” (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and GI-related issues). All of these conditions respond favorably to exercise and diet.
To put it in Mr. Obvious terms, the population is too heavy and too sedentary, but with lifestyle changes, outcomes can improve and costs can be minimized.
Call us. We can all do better.
William Faris, JD
Chief Executive Officer
502-495-5040
william.faris@omca.biz
www.omca.biz |
