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UPJ INSIGHT Online Tools to Decrease Out-of-Pocket Prescription Costs for Patients
By: Benjamin Pockros, MD, MBA, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Brian D. Cortese, BS, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Katharine Michel, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Taryn A. Ellis, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Ruchika Talwar, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee | Posted on: 20 May 2024
Pockros B, Cortese BD, Michel K, Ellis TA, Talwar R. Online tools to decrease out-of-pocket prescription costs for patients: a practical guide for urologists. Urol Pract. 2024;11(3):454-460. doi:10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000544
Study Need and Importance
Urology patients have recently reported a high degree of financial toxicity in the management of nephrolithiasis, urinary incontinence, and cancer. Online resources may provide an opportunity for patients to compare prescription drug costs directly and purchase the most affordable medication available. We provide an overview of 4 online resources that urologists can adopt into their practice and share with patients to help lower out-of-pocket spending for prescription medication. The purpose of this article is to help educate both patients and providers to become more informed consumers and understand their market options for purchasing prescription medication.
What We Found
If patients are insured by Medicare, they should explore the online Medicare Part D Plan Finder to select the most affordable drug plan each year. Patients who need a prescription filled urgently should go to the GoodRx website to identify low-cost pharmacies. Patients who are prescribed recurrent prescriptions for chronic conditions, or expensive medications that are now generically available, should search Amazon Pharmacy or the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company website to compare pricing for refills and home delivery.
Limitations
The 4 tools highlighted are a starting point for price navigation, but far more options exist and may offer additional advantages.
Interpretation for Patient Care
Online tools present an opportunity to lower out-of-pocket prescription costs for patients. The Part D Plan Finder, GoodRx, Amazon Pharmacy, and the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company are resources that patients and providers could utilize to reduce drug costs. Financial toxicity remains prevalent in urology, and patients request resources to help navigate the health care system. We provide a framework to help navigate these 4 resources, which may help patients access prescriptions at their most affordable cost.
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