The TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy Program Was Cost Efficient and Adequate Dispensing Controls Were in Place
Abstract
We are providing this report for your information and use. We performed this audit on the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) program (Project No. D2013-D000LF-0063) as requested by Congressional members from the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congressional members indicated that their overall concern was whether the TMOP program was providing prescription drugs in the most efficient and cost effective manner. In addition, the request included the following specific questions: (1) Is higher utilization of mail order resulting in waste and increased health care costs?; (2) Are controls in place that ensure patients do not receive medications they no longer need?; (3) Do processes exist to halt shipments when a patient's physician changes the type of medication, dosage, strength, or other changes?; and (4) Do beneficiaries have the opportunity to opt-out of automatic refill programs? The objective of the audit was to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of selected aspects of the TMOP program. Specifically, we examined selected aspects of the TMOP program to address the Congressional questions. We determined it was generally more cost efficient for beneficiaries to obtain pharmaceuticals through the TMOP program than through retail pharmacies. In addition, adequate controls in the TMOP program over dispensing pharmaceuticals were in place.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA585735
Entities
People
- Alice F. Carey
Organizations
- Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense