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  • Title: Prior authorization policies for selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in Medicaid: a policy review.
    Author: Fischer MA, Cheng H, Schneeweiss S, Avorn J, Solomon DH.
    Journal: Med Care; 2006 Jul; 44(7):658-63. PubMed ID: 16799360.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Many state Medicaid programs use prior authorization programs to limit spending on cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (coxibs). However, the evidence base for the prior authorization criteria has not been examined previously. METHODS: We determined whether prior authorization was required for coxibs in state Medicaid programs and collected data on what precise criteria needed to be met for a coxib prescription to be authorized. Prior authorization criteria were compared to clinical evidence regarding which patients are most likely to benefit from coxibs. RESULTS: By mid-2004, 35 states had implemented prior authorization requirements for coxibs. Of 5 major clinical factors that identify patients likely to benefit from coxibs, 18 states (51%) included all 5 factors and 9 states (26%) included 2 or fewer. Most states (33/35; 94%) required a previous trial of nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before a coxib would be authorized. Several prior authorization programs included factors that had no connection to the clinical evidence. CONCLUSIONS: State Medicaid prior authorization policies for coxibs are heterogeneous in terms both of the criteria required to obtain a coxib and of the relationship of those criteria to clinical evidence. Development of clinically rational prescription drug policies should be a goal for all health insurers and represents an important priority for Medicare's prescription drug benefit program.
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