A recent study found for many Canadians, cost is a barrier to obtaining prescription medicines. The CMAJ study found that about 1.4 million Canadians in 2016 cut spending in food, heat, and transportation to afford their drugs. To counter this trend, a doctor in Ontario is spearheading an initiative urging the province to mandate drug cost transparency, having prices shown in every patient’s electronic medical record. The idea is to help doctors who write prescriptions discuss affordability with patients. Currently, when doctors write prescriptions, they see the name of the drug, but not the price, meaning patients may be prescribed more expensive drugs when there are cheaper alternatives. As a result, people can experience sticker shock at the pharmacy, leading some to forgo their medication and become sicker, contributing to subsequent healthcare costs.
NBHC Sustainability