A Study of Outpatient Pharmacy Utilization at Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of outpatient pharmacy utilization to identify ways to reduce revised financing costs at Naval Hospital CampLejeune (NHCL). The study employed data from both the pharmacy data transaction service (PDTS) and a random survey to determine the utilization characteristics, behaviors, and perceptions of NHCL beneficiaries. Results showed that while managed care support contract(MCSC) retail network pharmacies filled only 7.5% of all NHCL prescriptions, they accountedfor 19.3% of all outpatient pharmacy costs. Fifty-six percent of the MCSC pharmacy utilization by TRICARE Prime beneficiaries occurred in the local Jacksonville area, with nearly 29% of that utilization consisting of drugs carried on the NHCL formulary. Further analysis of self-reported beneficiary data showed that the number of referrals to a civilian network care provider was the most significant predictor of MCSC pharmacy utilization (p < .001). When asked the specific reason for MCSC pharmacy utilization, only 11% selected reasons related to service quality or knowledge of benefits, while 43% indicated reasons related to convenience, and 73% stated that their medication was not listed on the NHCL formulary. This indicates that the most effective means of reducing pharmacy revised financing costs would be to develop strategies aimed at improved convenience and proper formulary management.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA420999
Entities
People
- John G. Meeting
Organizations
- Academy of Health Sciences