Cost Considerations Regarding Anticoagulant Therapy

During this segment, Michael A. Evans, BS, RPh, discusses the importance of initiating anticoagulation for patients at risk of developing thromboembolic complications. However, he recognizes that the costs of treating patients with anticoagulants, especially direct-acting oral anticoagulants, affect both patients and the health system.

Health systems need to have a process in place for recognizing and managing patients who are at risk for thromboembolic disease, says Mr Evans, and an appropriate management team and proper resources are essential to implementing this process.

When considering initiating treatment with an anticoagulant, healthcare professionals need to take into account the burden of cost on both patients and health systems, as high treatment cost may affect patient adherence, explains Mr Evans. Over time, cost has become more of a consideration for patients due to the introduction of the direct-acting oral anticoagulants, which are more expensive than warfarin.

Therefore, when evaluating treatment options with patients, Mr Evans suggests that healthcare professionals discuss the differences in costs between therapy options and ensure that patients are a part of the decision-making process.