Study shows cholesterol-lowering statins are underused
The study by Prime Therapeutics, an independent pharmacy benefit manager, looked at patients who had commercial insurance and had filed claims indicating a diagnosis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). These patients had also been advised by physicians that a low-cost statin regimen could significantly decrease the risk of a heart attack, coronary heart disease (CHD) or other serious complication.
Data from the study were presented Oct. 26-29 at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Nexus event in Orlando, Florida.
“With an average total claims cost of $56,233 associated with a CHD event, our research shows there is significant opportunity for members to become more adherent to lower-cost statin therapies that will help avoid these events,” Prime Therapeutics Principal Health Outcomes Researcher Kevin Bowen said.