Special Needs Prescriptions at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. A Management Study.

摘要

The Special Needs Prescription Program (SNP) provides free prescription medications to indigent patients. Since its inception in 1989, the program costs have increased an average of 15% per year. Last Fiscal Year, program costs reached over $230,000, representing an increase of 465% since the beginning of the program. This project reviewed and analyzed data from the SNP Program for the months of July and August 1997. A total of 362 patient encounters were reviewed, representing 852 prescription medication orders. Each charge voucher was reviewed for patient demographics, medications dispensed and the respective costs of those medications. Descriptive statistics on the sample were obtained to document program trends and identify opportunities for immediate improvement. Next, each patient's eligibility and insurance status were verified. Several actions were implemented to reduce the program costs and instill administrative control.