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Biomedical subjects

L Guttmacher

Publications and source records attributed to L Guttmacher.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Consequences of the 1989 New York State triplicate benzodiazepine prescription regulations.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of psychoactive medication prescribing and Medicaid expenditures before (1987 through 1988) and after (1989 through 1990) institution of the New York State triplicate benzodiazepine regulations. DATA SOURCES: The National Prescription Audit (IMS America, Plymouth Meeting, Pa), New York State Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield fo the Rochester (NY) Area. RESULTS: From 1988 to 1989, New York State benzodiazepine prescribing decreased by 44%, 60%, and 30% as assessed by IMS America, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, respectively. Prescribing of the following alternative sedative-hypnotics increased in New York State compared with decreases nationally (IMS America data): meprobamate, +125% vs -9%; methyprylon, +84% vs -15%; ethchlorvynol, +29% vs -18%; butabarbital, +31% vs -15%; hydroxyzine, +15% vs -1.1%; and chloralhydrate, +136% vs -0.4%. Increased prescribing of alternatives was also seen in the Medicaid and Blue Cross/Blue Shield data. Medicaid benzodiazepine expenditures decreased 52% from 1988 to 1989 ($21.7 million to $10.4 million). Alternative sedative expenditures increased 115% ($3.9 million to $8.4 million). Total Medicaid psychoactive medication expenditures remained nearly constant ($46.7 million to $45.6 million). CONCLUSION: Although the triplicate regulations have decreased benzodiazepine prescribing, an undesirable increase has occurred in the prescribing of less acceptable medications. The wider public health, patient care, and financial implications of triplicate benzodiazepine regulations are of concern and require further study before other jurisdictions undertake similar programs.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗
PubMed1984

P & T Committee formulary requests: criteria for admission.

The criteria for P & T Committee members to consider when adding or deleting a product to the formulary are discussed. Although each institution will require and develop different standards that reflect the characteristics of the patient population they serve, two general sets of factors should be studied. The anticipated needs of the institution and the therapeutic application of the medication in consideration must be identified. Furthermore, the characteristics of the drug, including pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, and cost must be clearly defined. The P & T Committee formulary decisions are critical in ensuring high-quality, cost-effective health care.

Decision Making↗