With two methods to distribute formulary alternatives, payers can increase patient satisfaction and lower costs by including credible alternatives in data used in physician prescribing.  Payers are missing opportunities to better inform patients and providers and this article delves into the opportunities to improve drug alternative information as a method to lower patient and payer drug costs.

NCPDP is finalizing version 60. New features have been added to support initial drug selection and lower drug costs for patients and payers.

Better prescription choices result in savings for both payers and patients. Formulary data in the electronic health record (EHR) offers a frontline strategy for helping providers make prescription choices that yield savings while improving patient care, increasing patient satisfaction, and elevating payer star ratings.