SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Biotech / Medical : Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc (KOSP)
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: AARON DIDICH who wrote (5)8/11/1997 11:02:00 PM
From: Tom D   of 118
 
Aaron, I kid you not about HMO delays on new drugs.

The situation is appalling. Several large national HMO's (such as United Health Care) are still not covering Lipitor (FDA approved in 12/96). It is the only treatment for LDL cholesterol of over 200 which offers any hope of meeting NCEP guidelines. 10 mg of lipitor is a potent as 40 mg of zocor and costs half as much. But we primary care MD's have to write a letter for each patient for whom we want the high-and-mighty HMO's to pay for it. Even Zyban, approved May 15, to help quit smoking, is not covered by many.

These drugs are going to get covered. But the HMO's are trying to get better bargaining positions with the Drug companies by pretending that they don't need the medications. Meanwhile, the MD's have to contend with rationing by inconvenience.

TDD
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News