The exploding cost of prescription drugs

The amount of prescribed medications and the number of individuals taking them are increasing rapidly. The share of Americans taking one or more prescription drugs has risen among all age groups. According to the IMS Health Study, the total spending on prescription drugs in the U.S.  reached $310 billion in 2015. This is almost three times more than total drug expenditures in the year 2000. It is forecasted that the U.S. spending on medicine will reach $370 to $400 billion in 2020. Moreover, several drug makers have notably increased their drug prices in recent years. Meanwhile, 76-year-old Ethel must choose between groceries or heart and diabetes medications this month because social security benefits simply can’t keep up with the rising cost of medications. Over-consumption in the health care industry has caused necessary prescription drug costs to skyrocket, leaving individuals with serious chronic conditions financially destitute. We need a solution. There are several reasons for this significant increase in medication usage in our society. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Meds Medications Source Type: blogs