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Changes resulting from provider outreach, 6 months ago, regarding dosing recommendations for Celexa® appear to have lasting effects. Last year the recommended dosage for the popular antidepressant was revised from 60 milligrams to 40 milligrams per day due to indications that the higher dose could lead to potentially fatal heart arrhythmia in some patients.
In the initial study Coventry identified providers who continued to prescribe higher doses three months after the revision announcement. These providers were contacted with pertinent information about the dosage change. Ninety days after the initial outreach prescribing data was analyzed to determine if a change in prescribing patterns had occurred, and indeed 58% of the providers receiving letters did change their therapy.
To determine the long-term effects, a second analysis was performed at 180 days post-outreach. At this point, 47% of the affected claimants continued with the same therapy they were receiving at the 90 day mark, and an additional 35% positively changed their therapy and improved their safety profile.
"Our findings clearly indicate that educating providers on prescribing recommendations has a positive impact on a patient's medication regime," said Brian Carpenter R.Ph., vice president, product development. "The benefits demonstrate that a simple provider communication can result in increased patient safety and savings."
Coventry will continue to identify new drug changes that could benefit from outreach and report such findings as they occur.
About Coventry Workers' Comp Services
Coventry Workers' Comp Services, a division of Coventry Health Care, Inc. (NYSE:CVH) offers workers' compensation cost and care management solutions for employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. With roots in both clinical and network services, we leverage more than 30 years of industry experience, knowledge and data analytics. We offer an integrated suite of solutions, powered by technology to enhance network development, clinical integration and operational efficiencies at the client desktop, with a focus on total claims cost.
Go to www.coventrywcs.com for more information.
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