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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.
Varied Access: The Pharmacogenetic Testing Coverage Divide
February 18th 2025On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with the author of a study published in the February 2025 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® to uncover significant differences in coverage decisions for pharmacogenetic tests across major US health insurers.
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What the Updated Telephone Consumer Protection Act Rules Mean for Health Care Messaging
April 4th 2025As new Federal Communications Commission rules take effect April 11, 2025, mPulse CEO Bob Farrell explains how health organizations can stay compliant while building patient trust through transparency and personalized engagement.
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