Improving patient adherence to medications for chronic diseases can reduce overall treatment costs

Avi Dor, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Health Policy, GW School of Public Health and Health Services, was a co-author of a study, in collaboration with Teva Pharmaceuticals, that found that higher patient adherence to disease modifying therapies, like glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulator drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis, reduced inpatient costs, outpatient costs, and other medical expenses in a national sample of multiple sclerosis patients. This research was published in the December issue of the Journal of Medical Economics.

"The results suggest that by improving patient adherence to medications, for chronic diseases, like GA for multiple sclerosis, overall costs of treatment costs can be reduced said Dr. Dor. "This research underscores the need to develop policies to encourage medication compliance. Such policies will lead to cost savings through the health care system in the long run."

Results suggest that, despite higher costs associated with increased usage of GA, relapses of symptoms associated with MS are reduced, and other medical costs for MS patients are offset with adherent use.