It is important that whenever possible, physicians choose equally effective, but lower cost generic alternatives to brand name drugs. While Massachusetts requires pharmacists to substitute generic drugs when available, this does not always happen automatically, particularly when patients use out-of-state mail order prescription services.
BWPO’s 2003 generic prescribing goal in the HPHC contract is 56.17 percent of all prescriptions written. Currently 55.80 percent of the BWPO prescriptions filled were for generic drugs, just short of the target. Generic drugs often have significantly lower co-payments for patients than brand name medications. If the BWPO increases generic use as described, approximately $50,000 of withheld funds will be returned to BWPO physicians.
The most reliable way to ensure that generics are dispensed is to specifically write prescriptions for the generic formulation (e.g. write for Omeprazole instead of Prilosec). Below is a summary of the greatest opportunities to improve upon current generic prescribing, using HPHC claims data from January to August 2003. The performance period for this initiative runs through December 31, 2003, and then starts over again for 2004 in January with a similar objective.
If you have any questions about these pharmacy initiatives please e-mail or call Andrew Sussman, MD or Jon Coblyn, MD.