An Emergency Department Pilot Study to Save Money for Patients through use of Retail Pharmacy Generic Drug Discount Programs

Objective. The objective was to assess the number of emergency department patients with selected chronic medical conditions having medicine on a generic drug discount program list (GDDP), and to see if providing information about GDDPs would lead to cost savings.

Methods. A survey was given to consenting patients with at least one of 16 chronic medical conditions. Participants were offered education, which provided information about the three pharmacies closest to the participant. Participants were called after 30 days after to assess GDDP use and money saved.

Results. Nearly all (96%) of the 116 participants had at least one medicine on a GDDP list; 80% were unaware of GDDPs. Of the 45 participants enrolled in the intervention component, 37 patients were reached for 30-day follow-up. Of those reached, 26 (70%) reported switching to a GDDP and saving money.

Conclusion. Discussing GDDPs with patients in the ED may produce cost-savings.