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Episode 12 - New MS Agents Challenged
Although new agents are available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), the panelists conclude that certain factors affect a clinician’s choice to recommend them over older, traditional options.
Because many MS agents are accompanied with serious side effects, Gary M. Owens, MD, explains that a drug that is not tolerated by a patient has both an economic and clinical burden, and states that the patient is less likely to adhere to treatment if he or she experiences adverse events.
Additionally, Leslie Fish, PharmD, disputes that there is a lack of data that reveals that newer agents are safer, which also affects a clinician’s choice to recommend certain options.
Patricia K. Coyle, MD, explains that the expensive price of these newer drugs also affects the clinician’s choice, even if a new option may be safer. Unfortunately, Dr Owens explains that it is difficult for insurers to lower the price of treatment options because they are faced with the challenge of balancing economics with clinical outcomes, and have to make decisions about the costs of agents on the basis of an entire population.
Stuck in Prior Auth Purgatory: The Hidden Costs of Health Care Delays
June 19th 2025Delays, denials, and endless paperwork—prior authorization isn’t just a headache for providers; it’s a barrier for patients who need timely care, explains Colin Banas, MD, MHA, chief medical officer with DrFirst.
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Moving Evidence From Research to Practice: Q&A With Ken Cohen, MD
June 23rd 2025In 2025, each issue of Population Health, Equity & Outcomes will feature a profile of a health system leader transforming care in their area of expertise. This issue spotlights a conversation with Ken Cohen, MD, executive director of translational research at Optum Health.
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Culture Key to Data Collection of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Cancer Care
June 23rd 2025This research highlights the key factors, like leadership buy-in, mandatory protocols, and electronic health record workflows, that influence the effective collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity in outpatient oncology clinics to improve patient-centered care.
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