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Sarig O. Pharmaceutical demand response to utilization management. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 93:102830. [PMID: 38113754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Prescription drug insurance increasingly imposes prior authorization (requiring providers to request coverage before claim approval) to manage utilization. Prior authorization has been criticized because of its administrative burden on providers. The primary alternative to managing utilization is imposing out-of-pocket (OOP) payment to incentivize beneficiaries to seek lower-cost care, effectively providing beneficiaries with partial insurance. Would beneficiaries prefer indirectly paying for prior authorization through higher premiums; or would they prefer prior authorization was replaced by higher OOP costs? This tradeoff depends on how much OOP costs could be displaced by prior authorization, which depends on their relative impact on demand. I estimate the effect of prior authorization and OOP costs on pharmaceutical demand in Medicare Part D, addressing endogeneity caused by unobserved drug quality and selection into plans. Despite criticism of prior authorization, I find that Medicare beneficiaries would prefer higher premiums to pay for prior authorization, over higher OOP costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Sarig
- Department of Economics, Yale University, United States of America.
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2
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Rast JE, Tao S, Schott W, Shea LL, Brodkin ES, Kerns CM, Leonard CE, Murray MJ, Lee BK. Psychotropic Medication Use in Children and Youth with Autism Enrolled in Medicaid. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06182-5. [PMID: 38113012 PMCID: PMC11228548 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism frequently present with complex mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medications are often a component of comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment plans for these conditions. The purpose of this study is to provide rates and patterns of psychotropic medication use, and predictors thereof, in children and youth with autism enrolled in Medicaid across the US. This study examined national Medicaid claims from 2008 to 2016 of all children and youth with autism ages 0-21 years enrolled in Medicaid. Psychotropic medication use was examined across several child and youth characteristics, including age, co-occurring mental health conditions, sex, and race and ethnicity. About half of children and youth with autism enrolled in Medicaid had at least one psychotropic prescription in a year, a number that decreased slightly across the study period due to decreases in the prescription of antipsychotics. As new medications for autism or co-occurring conditions are developed and deployed, and as the understanding of the characteristics of the population of children with autism evolves, studying rates of medication usage helps to understand utilization patterns and differences in access to quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Rast
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Sha Tao
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Whitney Schott
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lindsay L Shea
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward S Brodkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charles E Leonard
- Center for Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Brian K Lee
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA
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3
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Palmer L, Herd T, Swanson AS, Felt J, Font S. A Longitudinal Analysis of Concerning Psychotropic Medication Regimens Among Adolescents in Foster Care. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:452-460. [PMID: 37318407 PMCID: PMC10528405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a population-based examination of psychotropic medication use before and after entry into foster care (FC), with special attention on the use of concerning medication regimens: polypharmacy, stimulants, and antipsychotics. METHODS Using linked administrative Medicaid and child protective service data from Wisconsin, we follow a cohort of early adolescents ages 10-13 years who entered FC between June 2009 and December 2016 (N = 2,998). Descriptive statistics and Kaplan Meyer survival curves illustrate the timing of medication. Cox proportional hazard models identify hazard of outcomes (new medication, polypharmacy, antipsychotic, and stimulant medication) during FC. Separate models were run for adolescents with and without a psychotropic medication claim in the six months before FC. RESULTS Overall 34% of the cohort entered with a pre-existing psychotropic medication, accounting for 69% of adolescents with any psychotropic medication claim during FC. Similarly, the majority of adolescents with polypharmacy, antipsychotics or stimulants during FC entered with those prescriptions. Among youth with pre-entry medication, rates of polypharmacy (56%), antipsychotic (50%) and stimulants (64%) were high. Among adolescents who entered FC with no prior medication, placement disruptions (30 days before or after) predicted new medication. DISCUSSION Although a great deal of attention - and policies - have focused on youth in care, there is high reliance on psychotropic medications within the broader population of maltreated adolescents, indicating a need for timely and accurate re-assessment of current and past medications upon entry. Adolescents should also be actively involved in their own health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Palmer
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania.
| | - Toria Herd
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Ann Shun Swanson
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Felt
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah Font
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Sociology and Criminology, University Park, Pennsylvania
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4
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Candon M, Shen S, Fadeyibi O, Smith JL, Rothbard A. Trends in antipsychotic prescribing for approved and unapproved indications to Medicaid-enrolled youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 2014 and 2018. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:524. [PMID: 34686159 PMCID: PMC8540198 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic prescribing to Medicaid-enrolled youth has been the target of numerous policy initiatives, including prior authorization and quality monitoring programs, which often target specific populations. Whether these efforts have changed the level or composition of antipsychotic prescribing is unclear. METHODS Using 2014-2018 administrative claims data for Medicaid enrollees aged 21 years and under in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we measured antipsychotic prescription fills overall and for youth without an approved indication (autism, bipolar disorder, or psychosis). We then assessed whether trends differed for populations that have been targeted by policy initiatives, including younger children and foster care-enrolled youth. We also identified the most common approved and unapproved indications and examined whether the treatment duration of antipsychotic prescriptions differed based on whether the youth had an approved or unapproved indication. RESULTS Overall, the number of Medicaid youth with an antipsychotic prescription fill halved between 2014 and 2018. Youth aged 17 years and under and foster care-enrolled youth, who were targeted by prior authorization and quality improvement efforts, experienced larger declines. Roughly half of prescriptions were for unapproved indications in both 2014 and 2018; the most common unapproved indication was ADHD, and the treatment duration was shorter for unapproved indications compared to approved indications. CONCLUSIONS Antipsychotic prescribing to Medicaid-enrolled youth is declining, particularly among populations that have been targeted by policy initiatives like prior authorization and quality monitoring programs. Despite the fact that these initiatives often assess diagnostic criteria, half of antipsychotic prescriptions were for unapproved indications in both 2014 and 2018. More research is needed to gauge whether this prescribing is appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Candon
- Penn Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Siyuan Shen
- Penn Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Joseph L Smith
- Penn Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- HealthCore, Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Aileen Rothbard
- Penn Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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5
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Chavez LJ, Kelleher KJ, Beck A, Clarke GN, Penfold RB. Trends Over Time in Antipsychotic Initiation at a Large Children's Health Care System. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:381-386. [PMID: 34143677 PMCID: PMC8233217 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2020.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Antipsychotic prescribing in children and adolescents increased sharply beginning in the 1990s, but recent reports among Medicaid enrollees suggest declining trends. However, few studies have included both commercially and publicly insured patients or focused on trends in new antipsychotic medications in children without documented psychotic disorders or other indicated conditions. The objective of the study was to report trends in new antipsychotic prescribing for pediatric patients (age 3-17 years) in a large children's health care system. Methods: Data were abstracted from electronic medical records (January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017). New antipsychotic medication orders were defined as antipsychotic orders for patients without an order in the 180 days prior. Patients were excluded if the order was initiated in an emergency department or inpatient setting; they were diagnosed with psychotic disorder, mania, autism spectrum disorder, or intellectual disability; or the order was for prochlorperazine. The crude rate of new antipsychotic prescribing is reported quarterly with Poisson 95% confidence intervals in the total sample and by demographic subgroups (child vs. adolescent, female vs. male, public vs. private insurance, and white vs. nonwhite). Results: Antipsychotic orders decreased from 54.9 prescriptions per 10,000 person months in the first quarter of 2013 to 34.1 per 10,000 person months in the last quarter of 2017. Rates of antipsychotic prescribing were significantly higher for adolescents compared with children, patients who were commercially insured compared with Medicaid insured, and at most time points for white compared with non-white patients. However, prescribing rates did not differ significantly based on gender. Conclusions: Antipsychotic prescribing declined for both commercially and Medicaid-insured children in a pediatric hospital-based system, although white and commercially insured patients were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics. More attention may be needed for reducing potentially avoidable prescribing of antipsychotics in previously understudied subgroups, such as commercially insured patients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03448575.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Chavez
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Address correspondence to: Laura J. Chavez, PhD, MPH, Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kelly J. Kelleher
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Arne Beck
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Institute for Health Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Gregory N. Clarke
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Robert B. Penfold
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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6
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Mackie TI, Schaefer AJ, Karpman HE, Lee SM, Bellonci C, Larson J. Systematic Review: System-wide Interventions to Monitor Pediatric Antipsychotic Prescribing and Promote Best Practice. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:76-104.e7. [PMID: 32966838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.08.441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rapid growth of antipsychotic use among children and adolescents at the turn of the 21st century led Medicaid programs to implement 3 types of system-wide interventions: antipsychotic monitoring programs, clinician prescribing supports, and delivery system enhancements. This systematic review assessed the available evidence base for and relative merits of these system-wide interventions that aim to improve antipsychotic treatment and management. METHOD Using PRISMA guidelines, eligible studies were written in English and evaluated system-wide interventions to monitor antipsychotic treatment or promote antipsychotic management among children and adolescents (0-21 years of age). Studies were identified through Ovid MEDLINE and PsychInfo (years 1990-2018) and an environmental scan. From an initial review of 824 publications, 17 studies met eligibility criteria. Two authors independently conducted quality assessments using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Findings were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Identified studies (n = 17) evaluated prior authorization programs (n = 10), drug utilization reviews (n = 2), quality improvement (n = 4), care coordination programs (n = 1), and multimodal initiatives (n = 2). Studies were predominantly pre-post analyses, without a comparison group. With the exception of care coordination and drug utilization reviews, more than half of the interventions in each category were associated with significant reduction in antipsychotic treatment or promotion of best practice parameters. CONCLUSION This evidence review concludes that evaluations of prior authorization programs demonstrate reductions in antipsychotic treatment, though evidence of impact of other system-wide interventions and other outcomes is limited. Additional research is necessary to investigate whether interventions influenced antipsychotic prescribing independent of secular trends, the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions, the effect on functional outcomes, and the potential for unintended consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas I Mackie
- Rutgers School of Public Health and Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick.
| | - Ana J Schaefer
- Rutgers School of Public Health and Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| | | | - Stacey M Lee
- Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Christopher Bellonci
- Judge Baker Children's Center, Boston, Massachusetts, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine Larson
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland
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Torrecillas VF, Neuberger K, Ramirez A, Krakovitz P, Meier JD. What Is the Impact of Prior Authorization on the Incidence of Pediatric Tonsillectomy? Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 164:1193-1199. [PMID: 33170763 DOI: 10.1177/0194599820969631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Third-party payers advocate for prior authorization (PA) to reduce overutilization of health care resources. The impact of PA in elective surgery is understudied, especially in cases where evidence-based clinical practice guidelines define operative candidacy. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of PA on the incidence of pediatric tonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Health claims database from a third-party payer. METHODS Any pediatric patient who had evaluation for tonsillectomy from 2016 to 2019 was eligible for inclusion. A time series analysis was used to evaluate the change in incidence of tonsillectomy before and after PA. Lag time from consultation to surgery before and after PA was compared with segmented regression. RESULTS A total of 10,047 tonsillectomy claims met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Female patients made up 51% of claims, and the mean age was 7.9 years. Just 1.5% of claims were denied after PA implementation. There was no change in the incidence of tonsillectomy for all plan types (P = .1). Increased lag time from consultation to surgery was noted immediately after PA implementation by 2.38 days (95% CI, 0.23-4.54; P = .030); otherwise, there was no significant change over time (P = .98). CONCLUSION A modest number of tonsillectomy claims were denied approval after implementation of PA. The value of PA for pediatric tonsillectomy is questionable, as it did not result in decreased incidence of tonsillectomy in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaden Neuberger
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Paul Krakovitz
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jeremy D Meier
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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8
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Wilens TE, Wilens K, Woodworth KY, Chippari V, Firmin ES. Prior Authorizations: A Necessary Evil? J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 59:1005-1007. [PMID: 32599007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Along with general practice burdens, child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) are commonly tasked with completing prior authorizations (PAs) for medications prescribed in clinical practice. CAPs frown in resignation to their PA requirements to allow patients to be initiated onto, or continue with, their medications. PAs are often required for both brand and generic prescription medications, sometimes to confirm if the medication is medically necessary and appropriate for the indication,1 to review medication dosages, or more commonly to review the need in context to the medication cost of the requested agent relative to less expensive alternatives. Some states have implemented policies that leverage PAs to regulate and oversee provider prescribing patterns. Notably, many state Medicaid programs have restrictions on prescription of antipsychotics in children, and adoption of these regulations has led to decreases in their use in children 6 to 12 years old.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Wilens
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Kelleher KJ, Rubin D, Hoagwood K. Policy and Practice Innovations to Improve Prescribing of Psychoactive Medications for Children. Psychiatr Serv 2020; 71:706-712. [PMID: 32188362 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201900417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Psychoactive medications are the most expensive and fastest-growing class of pharmaceutical agents for children. The cost, side effects, and unprecedented growth rate at which these drugs are prescribed have raised alarms from health care clinicians, patient advocates, and agencies about the appropriateness of how these drugs are distributed to parents and their children. This article examines current prescribing of three classes of psychoactive drugs-stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics-and efforts to improve pediatric prescribing of these agents. Federal policy efforts to curb questionable prescribing of psychoactive medications to children have focused particularly on oversight of antipsychotic use among foster care children. The article reviews system-level interventions, including delivery system enhancements, which increase availability of alternatives to medication treatments, employ electronic medical record reminders, and increase cross-sector care coordination; clinician prescribing enhancements, which disseminate best-practice guidelines, create quality and learning collaboratives, and offer "second opinion" psychiatric consultations; and prescriber monitoring programs, which include retrospective review and prospective monitoring of physicians' prescribing to identify patterns suggestive of inappropriate prescribing. Potential interventions to deter inappropriate pediatric prescribing are briefly described, such as transparency in drug prices and incentives among insurers, public agencies, and pharmacy benefit managers; value-based purchasing, specifically value-based payment for medications; and preventive interventions, such as parent training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Kelleher
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio (Kelleher); PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia (Rubin); Department of Pediatrics, New York University Langone Health, New York (Hoagwood)
| | - David Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio (Kelleher); PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia (Rubin); Department of Pediatrics, New York University Langone Health, New York (Hoagwood)
| | - Kimberly Hoagwood
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio (Kelleher); PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia (Rubin); Department of Pediatrics, New York University Langone Health, New York (Hoagwood)
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10
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Akincigil A, Mackie TI, Cook S, Hilt RJ, Crystal S. Effectiveness of mandatory peer review to reduce antipsychotic prescriptions for Medicaid-insured children. Health Serv Res 2020; 55:596-603. [PMID: 32567089 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior authorization of prescription medications is a policy tool that can potentially impact care quality and patient safety. OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of a mandatory peer-review program in reducing antipsychotic prescriptions among Medicaid-insured children, accounting for secular trends that affected antipsychotic prescribing nationally. DATA SOURCE Medicaid Analytical eXtracts (MAX) with administrative claims for health services provided between January 2006 and December 2011. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective, observational study examined prescription claims records from Washington State (Washington) and compared them to a synthetic control drawing from 20 potential donor states that had not implemented any antipsychotic prior authorization program or mandatory peer review for Medicaid-insured children during the study period. This method provided a means to control for secular trends by simulating the antipsychotic use trajectory that the program state would have been expected to experience in the absence of the policy implementation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Before the policy implementation, antipsychotic use prevalence closely tracked those of the synthetic control (6.17 per 1000 in Washington vs. 6.21 in the synthetic control group). Within two years after the policy was implemented, prevalence decreased to 4.04 in Washington and remained stable in the synthetic control group (6.47), corresponding to an approximately 38% decline. CONCLUSION Prior authorization program designs and implementations vary widely. This mandatory peer-review program, with an authorization window and two-stage rollout, was effective in moving population level statistics toward safe and judicious use of antipsychotic medications in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Akincigil
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Thomas I Mackie
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Sharon Cook
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Robert J Hilt
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Spence O, Reeves G, dosReis S. Spillover effects of state medicaid antipsychotic prior authorization policies in US commercially insured youth. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2020; 29:1064-1071. [PMID: 32558177 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate spillover effects of Medicaid antipsychotic prior authorization (PA) policies among commercially insured youth. METHODS Commercially insured youth residing in nine US states that implemented PA exclusively for antipsychotics in 2011 or 2012 were identified using a 10% random sample of enrollees in the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database spanning 2007 to 2015. Youth were included if they were ≤18 years, met the age criteria of the PA at the time of dispensing, and had at least 1 month of prescription drug coverage from 2007 to 2015. The primary outcome of interest was the monthly prevalence of antipsychotics. We implemented segmented regression of interrupted time series analysis to estimate changes in the monthly prevalence of targeted medications, overall and stratified by age. Trends were compared in the 4-year period before and the 3-year period after implementation of PA policies. RESULTS Antipsychotics prescribing significantly decreased 6.74/10 000 (95% CI, -9.04 to -4.44) enrollees per month immediately after PA implementation. However, PA was not associated with significant long-term trend changes (-0.06; 95% CI, -0.16 to 0.03). Antipsychotic prescribing in children <12 years-old significantly decreased 0.14/10 000 (95% CI, -0.21 to -0.07) enrollees per month after PA implementation, while prescribing in adolescents 12 to 18 years-old significantly increased 0.32/10 000 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.47) enrollees per month. CONCLUSION While Medicaid PA polices for antipsychotic oversight did not affect overall prescribing, there were spillover effects in U.S. commercially insured children <12 years-old. This suggests that state-level Medicaid policies intended to improve the quality of care and safe use of antipsychotics can have broad reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- O'Mareen Spence
- Pharmaceutical Health Services Research Department, University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gloria Reeves
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan dosReis
- Pharmaceutical Health Services Research Department, University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Spence O, Camelo Castillo W, Reeves G, dosReis S. Psychiatric Services Preceding Initiation of Antipsychotic Medication Among Youth in Foster Care. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:276-284. [PMID: 30882232 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2018.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To characterize psychotropic use preceding antipsychotic initiation in a population of youth in foster care and to determine whether the use of intensive psychiatric services before initiating an antipsychotic differs across subgroup of youth defined by past psychotropic use. Methods: We identified youth in foster care in one U.S. State who initiated an antipsychotic from 2010 to 2015 and were aged ≤21 years at initiation. No antipsychotic use 1-year before the index prescription defined new use. Psychotropic class use in the year preceding the index antipsychotic prescription distinguished three subgroups: no psychotropic use, single-class use, and concomitant (>1 class) use. The temporal association of antipsychotic initiation with intensive services (psychiatric hospitalizations or emergency department visits) was estimated through regression models adjusted for psychiatric diagnoses and demographic characteristics. Logistic regression models assessed the interaction between psychotropic class subgroup and psychiatric diagnosis with the odds of hospitalization. Results: Of the 753 youth initiating an antipsychotic, 279 (37%) had no psychotropic use, 304 (40%) had single-class use, and 170 (23%) had concomitant use in the year before. In the year preceding antipsychotic initiation, 183 (24%) were hospitalized and 118 (16%) were hospitalized 1 month before antipsychotic initiation. The number of days between hospital discharge and antipsychotic initiation was 47 (SE = 19) days longer in concomitant users relative to youth with no psychotropic use (p = 0.01). In the year preceding antipsychotic initiation, concomitant users with severe mental illness were less likely to have a hospitalization (OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.06-0.93) than youth with no psychotropic use diagnosed with severe mental illness. Conclusions: Variation in psychotropic medication treatment, hospitalizations, and psychiatric diagnosis before antipsychotic initiation distinguished subgroups of youth initiating an antipsychotic. Single-class and concomitant users may have initiated an antipsychotic to augment existing regimen, whereas youth with no psychotropic use may have initiated an antipsychotic following a first episode crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- O'Mareen Spence
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wendy Camelo Castillo
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gloria Reeves
- 2 Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Susan dosReis
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
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Hirsch GS. Dosing and Monitoring: Children and Adolescents. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2018; 48:34-92. [PMID: 29713099 PMCID: PMC5875361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Glenn S Hirsch
- Dr. Hirsch is Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Study Center of the Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone and Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics
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Hulkower RL, Kelley M, Cloud LK, Visser SN. Medicaid Prior Authorization Policies for Medication Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Young Children, United States, 2015. Public Health Rep 2017; 132:654-659. [PMID: 29072963 DOI: 10.1177/0033354917735548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to recommend that clinicians refer parents of preschoolers (aged 4-5) for training in behavior therapy and subsequently treat with medication if behavior therapy fails to sufficiently improve functioning. Data available from just before the release of the guidelines suggest that fewer than half of preschoolers with ADHD received behavior therapy and about half received medication. About half of those who received medication also received behavior therapy. Prior authorization policies for ADHD medication may guide physicians toward recommended behavior therapy. Characterizing existing prior authorization policies is an important step toward evaluating the impact of these policies on treatment patterns. We inventoried existing prior authorization policies and characterized policy components to inform future evaluation efforts. METHODS A 50-state legal assessment characterized ADHD prior authorization policies in state Medicaid programs. We designed a database to capture data on policy characteristics and authorization criteria, including data on age restrictions and fail-first behavior therapy requirements. RESULTS In 2015, 27 states had Medicaid policies that prevented approval of pediatric ADHD medication payment without additional provider involvement. Seven states required that prescribers indicate whether nonmedication treatments were considered before Medicaid payment for ADHD medication could be approved. CONCLUSION Medicaid policies on ADHD medication treatment are diverse; some policies are tied to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Evaluations are needed to determine if certain policy interventions guide families toward the use of behavior therapy as the first-line ADHD treatment for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Hulkower
- 1 Cherokee Nation Assurance, Public Health Law Program, Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meghan Kelley
- 2 Policy Surveillance Program, Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lindsay K Cloud
- 2 Policy Surveillance Program, Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susanna N Visser
- 3 Division of Human Development and Disability, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Santosh PJ, Bell L, Fiori F, Singh J. Pediatric Antipsychotic Use and Outcomes Monitoring. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2017; 27:546-554. [PMID: 27607909 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2015.0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic (ATP) prescription rates have increased in children and adolescents despite concern regarding the safety and effectiveness of ATP usage in community populations. Rising safety concerns and uncertainty regarding ATP effectiveness in children stress the need for improvement in routine clinical outcome monitoring and research. Due to the growing number of children exposed to atypical ATPs, studies assessing the risk/benefit ratio of administering ATPs in this age group-especially in off-label conditions-become of high importance. The Centre for Interventional Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD) uses a suite of instruments to monitor outcomes using the web-based HealthTracker™, a health monitoring platform. The HealthTracker allows for capture of symptoms, side effects, quality of life, patient experience, and lifetime response to individualized treatments using a multi-informant multimodal methodology. It enables the tracking of ongoing medical treatments and assists in shared treatment decision-making, longitudinal patient centered outcome monitoring, and helps optimize care. An example of its use in the CIPPRD is provided to demonstrate how it can be used for ATP-related outcome monitoring in complex neurodisability within routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramala J Santosh
- 1 Department of Child Psychiatry, King's College London , London, United Kingdom .,2 Centre for Interventional Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD) , South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Bell
- 1 Department of Child Psychiatry, King's College London , London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Fiori
- 1 Department of Child Psychiatry, King's College London , London, United Kingdom
| | - Jatinder Singh
- 1 Department of Child Psychiatry, King's College London , London, United Kingdom
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16
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Barclay RP, Penfold RB, Sullivan D, Boydston L, Wignall J, Hilt RJ. Decrease in Statewide Antipsychotic Prescribing after Implementation of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Consultation Services. Health Serv Res 2017; 52:561-578. [PMID: 28297075 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To learn if a quality of care Medicaid child psychiatric consultation service implemented in three different steps was linked to changes in statewide child antipsychotic utilization. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Washington State child psychiatry consultation program primary data and Medicaid pharmacy division antipsychotic utilization secondary data from July 1, 2006, through December 31, 2013. STUDY DESIGN Observational study in which consult program data were analyzed with a time series analysis of statewide antipsychotic utilization. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS All consultation program database information involving antipsychotics was compared to Medicaid pharmacy division database information involving antipsychotic utilization. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Washington State's total child Medicaid antipsychotic utilization fell from 0.51 to 0.25 percent. The monthly prevalence of use fell by a mean of 0.022 per thousand per month following the initiation of elective consults (p = .004), by 0.065 following the initiation of age/dose triggered mandatory reviews (p < .001), then by another 0.022 following the initiation of two or more concurrent antipsychotic mandatory reviews (p = .001). High-dose antipsychotic use fell by 57.8 percent in children 6- to 12-year old and fell by 52.1 percent in teens. CONCLUSIONS Statewide antipsychotic prescribing for Medicaid clients fell significantly at different rates following each implementation step of a multilevel consultation and best-practice education service.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert B Penfold
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Washington, Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Donna Sullivan
- Washington State Prescription Drug Program, Washington State Health Care Authority, Olympia, WA
| | | | - Julia Wignall
- Seattle Children's Hospital PAL Program, Seattle, WA
| | - Robert J Hilt
- Seattle Children's Hospital PAL Program, Seattle, WA
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17
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Zito JM. Advancing the Quality of Pediatric Antipsychotic Use: Maybe It Takes a PAL. Health Serv Res 2017; 52:555-560. [PMID: 28297076 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Magno Zito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
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18
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Hoagwood KE, Essock S, Morrissey J, Libby A, Donahue S, Druss B, Finnerty M, Frisman L, Narasimhan M, Stein BD, Wisdom J, Zerzan J. Use of Pooled State Administrative Data for Mental Health Services Research. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2017; 43:67-78. [PMID: 25578511 PMCID: PMC4500680 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-014-0620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
State systems are a rich, albeit challenging, laboratory for policy-relevant services research studies. State mental health authorities routinely devote resources to collect data for state planning and reporting purposes. However, these data are rarely used in cross-state comparisons to inform state or federal policy development. In 2008, in response to key recommendations from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Advisory Council's "The Road Ahead: Research Partnership to Transform Services," (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/advisory-boards-and-groups/namhc/reports/road-ahead.pdf), NIMH issued a request for applications (RFA) to support studies on the impact of state policy changes on access, cost, quality and outcomes of care for individuals with mental disorders. The purpose of the RFA was to bridge the divide between research and policy by encouraging research that used state administrative data across states, and to address significant state-defined health policy initiatives. Five projects involving eight states were selected through peer review for funding. Projects began in 2009 and were funded for 3 years. This report provides a brief description of the five projects, followed by an analysis of the impact, challenges, and lessons learned from these policy-partnered studies. We conclude by offering suggestions on ways to use state administrative data for informing state health policies, which is especially timely given national and state changes in the structure and financing of healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Eaton Hoagwood
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - Susan Essock
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Morrissey
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Anne Libby
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA
| | - Sheila Donahue
- New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), Albany, USA
| | - Benjamin Druss
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Molly Finnerty
- New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), Albany, USA.,Bureau of Evidence Based Services & Implementation Science, NYS Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Linda Frisman
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Meera Narasimhan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Bradley D Stein
- RAND Corporation, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Jennifer Wisdom
- Office of the Vice President for Research, George Washington University, Washington, USA
| | - Judy Zerzan
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Denver, USA
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19
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Edelsohn GA, Karpov I, Parthasarathy M, Hutchison SL, Castelnovo K, Ghuman J, Schuster JM. Trends in Antipsychotic Prescribing in Medicaid-Eligible Youth. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:59-66. [PMID: 27993230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine trends in the use of antipsychotic medication in Medicaid-eligible youth from 2008 to 2013 and the factors associated with this use. METHOD Youth aged 0 to 17 years with at least one claim indicating antipsychotic medication use were identified from the network of a behavioral health managed care organization (BHMCO). Demographic and clinical variables were derived from state eligibility data and service claims data from the BHMCO. Overall and specific prevalence rates of antipsychotic drug use were calculated over the course of 6 years (2008-2013). The probability of antipsychotic use during 2013 was further explored with logistic regression that included demographic and diagnostic groups. RESULTS The overall trend in prevalence for antipsychotics for youth decreased from 49.52 per 1,000 members in 2008 to 30.54 in 2013 (p < .0001). Although rates decreased for all age groups, the rate per 1,000 members in 2013 for the youngest children was 3.79, versus 39.23 for 6- to 12-year-olds and 64.33 for 13- to 17-year-olds. Controlling for demographic and clinical variables, children 0 to 5 years old were 79% less likely to be prescribed antipsychotic medications compared to the oldest youth, 13 to 17 years of age (p < .0001). Rates were higher for males versus females regardless of age (odds ratio [95% CI] =1.48 [1.36-1.62], p < .0001). Children with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were less likely to be prescribed antipsychotics compared to those with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, psychoses, and depression. CONCLUSION Prevalence rates decreased significantly over time for all socio-demographic groups. The largest decrease was observed for the youngest children, ages 0 to 5 years, with a rate in 2013 under half the rate for 2008. Clinical, policy, and managed care implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail A Edelsohn
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh.
| | - Irina Karpov
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh
| | - Meghna Parthasarathy
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh
| | - Shari L Hutchison
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh
| | - Kim Castelnovo
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh
| | - Jaswinder Ghuman
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh
| | - James M Schuster
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Division, Pittsburgh; Behavioral Health and Medicaid Services, Behavioral Health Integration, UPMC Insurance Division and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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20
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Huskamp HA, Horvitz-Lennon M, Berndt ER, Normand SLT, Donohue JM. Patterns of Antipsychotic Prescribing by Physicians to Young Children. Psychiatr Serv 2016; 67:1307-1314. [PMID: 27417891 PMCID: PMC5133161 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201500224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antipsychotic use among young children has grown rapidly despite a lack of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for broad use in this age group. Characteristics of physicians who prescribed antipsychotics to young children were identified, and prescribing patterns involving young children and adults were compared. METHODS Physician-level prescribing data from IMS Health's Xponent database were linked with American Medical Association Masterfile data and analyzed. The sample included all U.S. psychiatrists and a random sample of 5% of family medicine physicians who wrote at least ten antipsychotic prescriptions per year from 2008 to 2011 (N=31,713). Logistic and hierarchical binomial regression models were estimated to examine physician prescribing for children ages zero to nine, and the types and numbers of ingredients used for children versus adults ages 20 to 64 were compared. RESULTS Among antipsychotic prescribers, 42.2% had written at least one antipsychotic prescription for young children. Such prescribing was more likely among physicians age ≤39 versus ≥60 (odds ratio [OR]=1.70) and physicians in rural versus nonrural areas (OR=1.11) and was less likely among males (OR=.93) and graduates of a top-25 versus a lower-ranked U.S. medical school (OR=.87). Among physicians who prescribed antipsychotics to young children and adults, 75.0% of prescriptions for children and 35.7% of those for adults were for drugs with an FDA-approved indication for that age. Fewer antipsychotic agents were prescribed for young children (median=2) versus adults (median=7). CONCLUSIONS Prescribing antipsychotics for young children was relatively common, but prescribing patterns differed between young children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiden A Huskamp
- Dr. Huskamp and Dr. Normand are with the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (e-mail: ). Dr. Horvitz-Lennon is with the RAND Corporation, Boston. Dr. Berndt is with the MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Donohue is with the Health Policy and Management Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - Marcela Horvitz-Lennon
- Dr. Huskamp and Dr. Normand are with the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (e-mail: ). Dr. Horvitz-Lennon is with the RAND Corporation, Boston. Dr. Berndt is with the MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Donohue is with the Health Policy and Management Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - Ernst R Berndt
- Dr. Huskamp and Dr. Normand are with the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (e-mail: ). Dr. Horvitz-Lennon is with the RAND Corporation, Boston. Dr. Berndt is with the MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Donohue is with the Health Policy and Management Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - Sharon-Lise T Normand
- Dr. Huskamp and Dr. Normand are with the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (e-mail: ). Dr. Horvitz-Lennon is with the RAND Corporation, Boston. Dr. Berndt is with the MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Donohue is with the Health Policy and Management Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - Julie M Donohue
- Dr. Huskamp and Dr. Normand are with the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (e-mail: ). Dr. Horvitz-Lennon is with the RAND Corporation, Boston. Dr. Berndt is with the MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Donohue is with the Health Policy and Management Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
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Crystal S, Mackie T, Fenton MC, Amin S, Neese-Todd S, Olfson M, Bilder S. Rapid Growth Of Antipsychotic Prescriptions For Children Who Are Publicly Insured Has Ceased, But Concerns Remain. Health Aff (Millwood) 2016; 35:974-82. [DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2016.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Crystal
- Stephen Crystal ( ) is director of the Center for Health Services Research on Pharmacotherapy, Chronic Disease Management, and Outcomes and the Center for Education and Research on Mental Health Therapeutics, as well as Board of Governors Professor and associate institute director for health services research at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University, all in New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Thomas Mackie
- Thomas Mackie is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Systems and Policy at the Rutgers School of Public Health and at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University
| | - Miriam C. Fenton
- Miriam C. Fenton is research project manager at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University
| | - Shahla Amin
- Shahla Amin is senior data analyst at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University
| | - Sheree Neese-Todd
- Sheree Neese-Todd is director of public academic partnerships at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University
| | - Mark Olfson
- Mark Olfson is a professor of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Columbia University, and a research psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, both in New York City
| | - Scott Bilder
- Scott Bilder is an associate research scientist at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University
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Edelsohn GA, Parthasarathy M, Terhorst L, Karpov IO, Schuster J. Measurement of Metabolic Monitoring in Youth and Adult Medicaid Recipients Prescribed Antipsychotics. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2016; 21:769-77, 777a-777cc. [PMID: 26308224 PMCID: PMC10397640 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2015.21.9.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals being treated with first- and second-generation antipsychotics (FGAs and SGAs) are at risk for a variety of adverse cardiometabolic effects. Although consensus guidelines that recommend metabolic monitoring for patients receiving SGAs have been in place since 2004, the rate of monitoring remains low, especially in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVES To (a) examine differences in rates of laboratory monitoring for glucose and lipids for adults and youth prescribed FGAs and SGAs; (b) look at factors associated with the likelihood of metabolic testing; and (c) describe cohort effects that may have had an impact on the rates of laboratory testing. METHODS This is a retrospective study examining the rates of glucose and lipid testing for 3 separate cohorts of Medicaid recipients who were prescribed antipsychotics during 3 measurement periods-2008, 2010, and 2012-using paid Medicaid pharmacy and laboratory claims data. The sample included adults aged 18 years and older and children aged 17 years and younger. For each measurement period, we identified the rate of metabolic monitoring and the demographic characteristics for each individual, including race, age, and gender. The proportion of laboratory monitoring was assessed using chi square tests for each of the outcomes. Logistic regression models for each time point were used to determine the characteristics of individuals who were more likely to receive monitoring. RESULTS The proportion of individuals receiving glucose and lipid tests increased for both age groups across all measurement periods. For individuals aged 18 years and over, glucose monitoring increased from 56.6%-72.6%. Testing for lipids remained constant, ranging from 38.3%-41.2% for each of the 3 measurement periods. During the first measurement period, in 2008, females were 41% and 15% more likely to receive glucose and lipid laboratory monitoring, respectively, compared with males. Females continued to be more likely to receive glucose monitoring during the measurement periods in 2010 and 2012, although there was no significant difference between females and males for lipid monitoring during these time periods. Individuals aged 17 years and younger were 59%-68% less likely to receive glucose monitoring than adults (aged ≥ 18 years) for all time points. Across all measurement periods, individuals aged ≤ 17 years were also 44%-58% less likely to receive lipid monitoring compared with adults (aged ≥ 18 years). While there was no significant difference between Caucasians and non-Caucasians in the first measurement period, Caucasians were about 30% less likely to receive glucose monitoring and about 50% less likely to receive lipid monitoring during the measurement periods covering 2010 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic monitoring in adults improved substantially over the time periods studied; however, rates remained suboptimal, especially in the pediatric population. This finding suggests that interventions to increase metabolic monitoring in adults and children using FGAs and SGAs are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail A Edelsohn
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, 1 E. Uwchlan Ave., Ste. 311, Exton, PA 19341.
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Mackie TI, Hyde J, Palinkas LA, Niemi E, Leslie LK. Fostering Psychotropic Medication Oversight for Children in Foster Care: A National Examination of States’ Monitoring Mechanisms. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2016; 44:243-257. [DOI: 10.1007/s10488-016-0721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Burcu M, Safer DJ, Zito JM. Antipsychotic prescribing for behavioral disorders in US youth: physician specialty, insurance coverage, and complex regimens. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2015; 25:26-34. [PMID: 26507224 DOI: 10.1002/pds.3897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess antipsychotic prescribing patterns according to insurance coverage type and physician specialty in the outpatient treatment of behavioral disorders (BD) in US youth. METHODS We used 2003-2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data to compare antipsychotic prescribing in the outpatient treatment of BD in youth (6-19 years) according to insurance coverage (public vs. private) and physician specialty (psychiatrist vs. non-psychiatrist) using population-weighted Chi-square and multivariable analyses. Also, we examined co-prescribing of antipsychotics with other psychotropic medication classes. Subgroup analyses were conducted in BD visits with no other clinician-reported psychiatric diagnosis (non-comorbid BD visits). RESULTS A large majority (71.0%) of BD visits were provided by non-psychiatrists. However, psychiatrists prescribed antipsychotics far more frequently than non-psychiatrists (24.2% vs. 4.6%; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.8-9.2]) in total BD visits as well as in non-comorbid BD visits (18.6% vs. 3.6%; AOR = 5.8 [95% CI, 3.2-10.5]). Antipsychotic prescribing was nearly two-fold greater in visits by publicly insured 6-12 year olds (11.3% vs. 5.8%; AOR = 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.5]) and 13-19 year olds (16.2% vs. 8.9%; AOR = 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1-3.6]) compared with their privately insured counterparts. In more than one-third of antipsychotic-prescribed BD visits, antipsychotics were prescribed concomitantly with ≥2 psychotropic medication classes regardless of age group, insurance coverage, or even in the absence of psychiatric comorbidities. CONCLUSION In outpatient visits by youth for BD, antipsychotics were primarily prescribed by psychiatrists, concomitantly, and for the publicly insured. These treatment patterns merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Burcu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel J Safer
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie M Zito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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