Health care utilization and expenditures among adults with rheumatoid arthritis using specialty pharmaceuticals

BackgroundDespite the rising popularity of using specialty medications for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), little is known about the use or spending on medical services among these patients.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate health care utilization and expenditures among patients with RA using specialty medications compared with those using non-specialty (i.e., traditional) medications.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2009 through 2015. Health care use and expenditures were examined using a (zero-truncated or zero-inflated) negative binomial model and a generalized linear model with a log link function and gamma distribution (or a two-part model).ResultsCompared to patients with RA who were traditional medication users (TMUs), those categorized as specialty medication users (SMUs) were prescribed about 24% fewer medications (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.66–0.89) and received fewer office-based visits (IRR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.70–0.99). Although SMUs' spending on emergency department visits was lower, their spending on total health care was $14,570 higher than that of TMUs. Compared with TMUs, users of both specialty and traditional medications (BMUs) had fewer emergency department visits (IRR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39–0.81) with less spending on emergency service use. Overall, BMUs' total health care spending was $5720 higher than TMUs’ total spending.ConclusionsThere were some differences in health care use and expenditures for treating RA between patients using specialty medications and those using traditional medications. Total health care spending was higher for SMUs/BMUs despite their less frequent use of some types of medical services and lower spending on emergency department visits, because of the high cost of specialty medications for RA. The high costs of specialty medications implies the importance of the efficient use of these medications.     

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among North Dakota community pharmacy personnel: A seroprevalence survey

BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has disrupted much of the health care system. Despite changes in routine practices, community pharmacists have continuously served their patients throughout the pandemic. Frontline health care workers, including community pharmacy personnel, are at risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2.ObjectiveThe purpose of this observational study was to report the prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from a sample of North Dakota community pharmacy personnel.MethodsThis observational study was conducted in 2 cities in North Dakota with the highest COVID-19 rates at the time of investigation. Community pharmacy personnel were tested for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies using a rapid antibody test. In addition to antibody testing, participants completed a questionnaire reporting on demographics, previous COVID-19 exposure, previous COVID-19 symptoms, and personal protection equipment (PPE) practices.ResultsA total of 247 pharmacy personnel from 29 pharmacies were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The timing and use of PPE varied by location. Among the 247 community pharmacy personnel, 14.6% tested positive for IgM, IgG, or both. Survey data revealed a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between a positive antibody test and direct contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 (odds ratio: 2.65 [95% CI: 1.18–5.95]), but there were no statistically significant effects related to the workplace, including PPE use, personnel role, or the number of hours worked. The self-reported loss of taste or smell was the only significant symptom associated with a positive antibody test (18.91 [3.10–115.59]).ConclusionCommunity pharmacy personnel may be at an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure compared with the general population.     

The substance‐abusing patient and primary care: Linkage via the addiction treatment system? 1

Our objective was to describe and assess the prevalence and characteristics of substance‐abusing persons without primary care physicians. We interviewed a convenience sample at one point in time. Patients/participants were persons presenting for addictions treatment in a public substance abuse treatment system. Of 5824 respondents, 41% did not have a physician. In a multivariable analysis, the following were associated with not having a physician: no health insurance [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.79–2.35], no history of a chronic (OR, 1.70; CI, 1.47–1.97) or an episodic (OR, 1.20; CI, 1.05–1.39) medical illness, male gender (OR, 1.49; CI, 1.29–1.71), and younger age (by decade) (OR, 1.12; CI, 1.04–1.38). Prior addictions or mental health treatment or a recent emergency‐room visit were not significantly associated with having a physician. Many patients with addictions serious enough to prompt presentation for treatment stated that they did not have physicians. Although younger persons, males, and those without insurance or past medical illness were more likely to report not having a physician, neither prior addictions or mental health treatment nor a recent emergency‐room visit decreased this likelihood. To achieve improved linkage of substance‐abusing patients with primary medical care, all health‐care contacts should be utilized.     

Treatment patterns and health care costs of mebeverine-treated IBS patients: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder affecting the quality of life of patients. In the Netherlands, mebeverine is currently the only medical treatment registered for IBS, although its efficacy is considered disputable. OBJECTIVE: To assess treatment patterns and associated health care cost in mebeverine users relative to matched controls. METHODS: A matched case-control study was performed using pharmacy data. Cases were mebeverine users as proxy for IBS patients. Controls were non-mebeverine users and matched to cases by age, gender and pharmacy. Prevalence and incidence of mebeverine use, concomitant drug use and hospitalizations were assessed in 3431 cases and 3431 controls. Concomitant drug use and hospitalizations was also assessed in a subgroup of 1222 users of mebeverine and laxatives (proxy for constipation-IBS) and their controls. RESULTS: Twelve per 1000 residents were ever-dispensed mebeverine in 1998. One-third of these mebeverine users used laxatives concomitantly. Concomitant drug use and hospitalizations were increased in mebeverine users. The odds ratio for hospitalizations for gastrointestinal reasons was increased predominantly in mebeverine users with concomitant laxative use (OR:8.7; 95%CI [4.3-17.3]). Excess yearly costs for all concomitant medications were 94 Euros [95%CI 79 Euros-109 Euros] and for hospital admissions 120 Euros [74 Euros-166 Euros] per mebeverine user. In mebeverine users with concomitant laxative use these costs were 136 Euros and 251 Euros respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In treated IBS patients, concomitant drug use and hospitalizations are increased relative to matched controls. Medical resource use and associated health care costs are particularly increased in mebeverine users using laxatives. The total mean excess cost per patient per year is 482 Euros.     

Factors influencing the acceptance of referrals for clinical pharmacist managed disease states in primary care

ObjectiveClinical pharmacists use population health methods to generate chronic disease management referrals for patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare primary care providers’ (PCPs) referral responses for 4 pharmacist-managed indications and to identify provider and patient characteristics that are predictive of PCP response.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThis study occurred in an academic internal medicine clinic.ParticipantsClinical pharmacy referrals generated through a population health approach between 2012 and 2016 for hypertension, chronic pain, depression, and benzodiazepine management were included.Main outcome measuresProportion of referrals accepted, left pending, or rejected and influencing provider and patient characteristics.ResultsOf 1769 referrals generated, PCPs accepted 869 (49%), left pending 300 (17%), and rejected 600 (34%). Compared with referrals for hypertension, benzodiazepine management, and depression, chronic pain referrals had the lowest likelihood of rejection (odds ratio [OR] 0.31; 95% CI 0.19–0.49). Depression referrals had an equal likelihood of being accepted or rejected (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.66–1.64). Provider characteristics were not significantly associated with referral response, but residents were more likely to accept referrals. Patient characteristics associated with lower referral rejection included black race (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.18–0.87), higher systolic blood pressure (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97–0.99), and missed visits (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.07–0.81).ConclusionThe majority of referrals for clinical pharmacists in primary care settings were responded to, varying mostly between acceptance and rejection. There was variability in referral acceptance across indications, and some patient characteristics were associated with increased referral acceptance.     

Criminal justice involvement of crack cocaine users in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Greater Metropolitan Area: Implications for public health and the public security agenda

BackgroundThe international literature has expressed different and sometimes contrasting perspectives when addressing criminal involvement by crack cocaine users, highlighting psychopharmacological aspects, the cycles of craving and pressing economic need, and the interplay with overall deprivation and structural violence. The current study aims to identify variables associated with the arrest and imprisonment of regular crack cocaine users.MethodsInterviewees were recruited from open drug scenes in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Greater Metropolitan Area from September 2011 to June 2013. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to the data.ResultsMost of the recruited crack cocaine users were male (78.2% [95%CI: 76.3–79.4]), 18–30 years old (64.7% [95%CI: 62.5–66.2]), non-white (92.9% [95%CI: 91.2–93.4]), single (68.9% [95%CI: 66.8–70.3]), and with 0–7 years of schooling (70.6% [95%CI: 68.5–71.9]). Factors independently associated with arrest were history of inpatient addiction treatment (adjOR 4.31 [95%CI: 1.70–11.32]); male gender (adjOR 2.05 [95%CI: 1.40–3.04); polydrug use (adjOR 1.82 [95%CI: 1.32–2.51]); and 0 to 7 years of schooling (adjOR 1.64 [95%CI: 1.17–2.32]). As for the outcome variable lifetime history of incarceration, the independently associated factors were: male gender (adjOR 2.47 [95%CI: 1.74–3.55]) and longer use of crack cocaine and related substances (e.g., free base and local varieties/denominations of coca products) (adjOR 1.05 [95%CI: 1.01–1.10]).ConclusionThe study’s findings support the use of comprehensive multisector interventions, integrating health promotion and mental health rehabilitation, access to quality education, and management of combined/concomitant use of different substances to reduce and/or prevent criminal involvement by individuals that use crack cocaine and other substances, as well as to prevent/manage relapse.     

Organisational factors associated with safety climate,patient satisfaction and self-reported medicines adherence in community pharmacies

BackgroundEvidence suggests that community pharmacy service quality varies, and that this may relate to pharmacy ownership. However little is known about wider organisational factors associated with quality.ObjectiveTo investigate organisational factors associated with variation in safety climate, patient satisfaction and self-reported medicines adherence in English community pharmacies.MethodsMultivariable regressions were conducted using data from two cross-sectional surveys, of 817 pharmacies and 2124 patients visiting 39 responding pharmacies, across 9 diverse geographical areas. Outcomes measured were safety climate, patient satisfaction and self-reported medicines adherence. Independent variables included service volume (e.g. dispensing volume), pharmacy characteristics (e.g. pharmacy ownership), patient characteristics (e.g. age) and areal-specific demographic, socio-economic and health-needs variables.ResultsValid response rates were 277/800 (34.6%) and 971/2097 (46.5%) for pharmacy and patient surveys respectively. Safety climate was associated with pharmacy ownership (F_8,225 = 4.36, P < 0.001), organisational culture (F_{4, 225} = 12.44, P < 0.001), pharmacists' working hours (F_{4, 225} = 2.68, P = 0.032) and employment of accuracy checkers (F_{4, 225} = 4.55, P = 0.002). Patients’ satisfaction with visit was associated with employment of pharmacy technicians (β = 0.0998, 95%CI = [0.0070,0.1926]), continuity of advice-giver (β = 0.2593, 95%CI = [0.1251,0.3935]) and having more reasons for choosing that pharmacy (β = 0.3943, 95%CI = [0.2644, 0.5242]). Satisfaction with information received was associated with continuity of advice-giver (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = [1.36, 2.82]), weaker belief in medicines overuse (OR = 0.92, 95%CI = [0.88, 0.96]) and age (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = [1.01, 1.03]). Regular deployment of locums by pharmacies was associated with poorer medicines adherence (OR = 0.50, 95%CI = [0.30, 0.84]), as was stronger patient belief in medicines overuse (OR = 0.88, 95%CI=[0.81, 0.95]) and younger age (OR = 1.04, 95%CI = [1.01, 1.07]). No patient outcomes were associated with pharmacy ownership or service volume.ConclusionsThis study characterised variation in the quality of English community pharmacy services identifying the importance of skill-mix, continuity of care, pharmacy ownership, organisational culture, and patient characteristics. Further research is needed into what constitutes and influences quality, including the development of validated quality measures.     

Electronic cigarette use is associated with depressive symptoms among smokers and former smokers: Cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from the Constances cohort

AimsTo examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and electronic cigarette (e-cig) use in a large population-based sample while taking into account smoking status and sociodemographic confounders.MethodsParticipants from the French Constances cohort were included from February 2012 to December 2016. Smoking status, e-cig use (never/ever/current) and nicotine concentration were self-reported. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Logistic regressions were used to provide odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of e-cig use according to depressive symptoms, adjusting for age, sex and education.ResultsIn cross-sectional analyses (n = 35,337), depressive symptoms (i.e. a CES-D score ≥ 19) were associated with both ever (OR [95%CI]: 1.67 [1.53–1.82]) and current (1.73 [1.53–1.96]) e-cig use with a dose-dependent relationship (p-trend<0.001). In longitudinal analyses (n = 30,818), depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with current e-cig use at follow-up (2.02 [1.72–2.37]) with a similar dose-dependent relationship. These associations were mainly significant among smokers or former smokers at baseline. Furthermore, among smokers at baseline, depressive symptoms were associated with dual consumption at follow-up (1.58 [1.41–1.77]), whereas among former smokers, they were associated with either smoking only (1.52 [1.34–1.73]) or e-cig use only (2.02 [1.64–2.49]), but not with dual consumption (1.11 [0.73–1.68]) at follow-up. Finally, depressive symptoms were positively associated with nicotine concentration among e-cig users at baseline.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms were positively associated with e-cig use in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses with a dose-dependent relationship. In addition, nicotine concentration and depressive symptoms were positively associated.     

Evaluation of the association between health insurance status and healthcare utilization and expenditures among adult cancer survivors in the United States

BackgroundHealth care expenditures for cancer care has increased significantly over the past decade and is further projected to rise. This study examined the associations between health insurance status and total direct health care expenditures and health care utilization among cancer survivors living in the United States.MethodsA cross-sectional study of cancer survivors aged ≥18 years, identified from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) during 2017 using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes specific for cancer. Health insurance was categorized into Private, Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured. Multivariable ordinary least squares regression was used to examine the association between log expenditures and health insurance. Negative binomial regression with log link was used to obtain adjusted incident rate ratios (AIRR) for health care utilization. Survey weights were used to produce nationally representative estimates of the US population.ResultsA total of 1140 (weighted = 13.9 million) cancer survivors were identified. Compared to the adjusted mean annual health care expenditures for the private group ($14,265; 95% confidence interval (CI): $12,645 to $16,092), the adjusted mean annual health care expenditures for the Medicare group were higher ($15,112; 95%CI: $13,361 to $17,092). As compared to the private group, the average annual expenditures for uninsured cancer survivors ($2315; 95%CI:1038 to $3501) was significantly lower and so was their health care utilization. Adjusted rates of ER visits for Medicaid were twice (AIRR:2.04; SE:0.28; p = 0.001) as compared to privately insured.ConclusionsA difference in the average total direct expenditures between uninsured and privately insured patients was found. Uninsured had the lowest health care utilization while Medicaid reported significantly higher number of ER visits. Despite differences in program structures, health care expenditures across insurance types were similar. Lower utilization of health care services among uninsured suggests cost maybe a barrier to accessing care.     

Factors that influence patient acceptance of clinical pharmacy services: A nationwide survey

ObjectiveExamine the factors that influence a patient’s likelihood of participating in clinical pharmacy services so that pharmacists can use this knowledge to effectively expand clinical services.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to U.S. citizens 55 years of age or older through a market research company. The survey assessed pharmacy and medication use, general health, interest in clinical pharmacy services, and general demographics. The specific clinical services examined included medication therapy management (MTM) and a collaborative practice agreement (CPA). Logistic regression and best-worst scaling were used to predict the likelihood of participating and determine the motivating factors to participate in clinical pharmacy services, respectively.ResultsTwo hundred eight (58.45%) respondents reported being likely to participate in MTM services, and 108 (50.6%) reported being likely to participate in the services offered by a pharmacist with a CPA, if offered. The motivations to participate in MTM were driven by pharmacist management of medication interactions and adverse effects (best-worst scores 0.62 and 0.51, respectively). The primary motivator to participate in a CPA was improved physician-pharmacist coordination (best-worst score 0.80). Those with a personal pharmacist were more likely to participate in MTM (odds ratio [OR] 2.43 [95% CI 1.41–4.22], P = 0.002) and a pharmacist CPA (2.08 [1.26–3.44], P = 0.004). Previous experience with MTM increased the likelihood of participating again in MTM (5.98 [95% CI 2.50–14.35], P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with the pharmacy increased the likelihood of participating in a pharmacist CPA (1.47 [95% CI 1.01–2.13], P = 0.04).ConclusionPatients are interested in clinical pharmacy services for the purposes of medication interaction management, adverse effect management, and improved physician-pharmacist coordination. The factors that influenced the likelihood of participating included having a personal pharmacist, previous experience with MTM, and pharmacy satisfaction. These results suggest a potential impact of the patient-pharmacist relationship on patient participation in clinical services.