Unit 5 Reply to Discussion
I enjoyed reading your chart and comparison of these allergy medications. In our current healthcare system, there are so many patients
who have allergies and are seeking treatment with over-the-counter medication. It is essential to be able to help point the patients in the right direction with drugs they can take for relief. You bring up a great point about a trial for the patient and extended prescriptions. I have found that the cost when you go that route is much more beneficial for patients. For patients to be able to follow their plan of care, it is essential to know what their demographics are and what their support system is at home. Having
resources available to the patient will help them in the long term. As a provider, it is essential to see if any medications can be discontinued that are nonessential to the patient to help them cut costs (Alexander, 2005). In addition, providers can also, as you discussed in your post, focus on approaches to affordability, such as using discounts on medications, drug
coupons, and assistance programs within the community (Cogdill, 2012). It is essential to be able to make financial information readily available for
patients to help better plan their care and evaluate any barriers that may inhibit it.
Alexander GC, Casalino LP, Meltzer DO..
(2005).Physician strategies to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket prescription costs.
Arch Intern Med
165
(6):
633–6.
