Drug Coverage Change Improves Likelihood of Treatment

Medscape has an interesting article about a new study regarding increased antibiotic use with those who enrolled in the new Medicare Part D. The Medicare Part D program is a drug benefit program administered by the United Stated government to subsidize medication costs for seniors. The study looked at oral antibiotics purchases with the program. It focused on one particular insurance company and noted an increase in treatment with antibiotics for illnesses from sinusitis to pneumonia among those who had not previously had drug coverage.The study was limited as is admitted by the researchers but it does show the efficacy of increased drug coverage ensuring that treatment is more likely to be sought. Antibiotics in particular can help fight many illnesses and while there is some danger in their overprescription and they should only be sought for conditions like sinusitis in the most extreme cases or with the most vulnerable populations, they are important when approaching conditions like pneumonia, which can be dangerous to even healthy individuals if left untreated. For questions and concerns about the treatment of sinus infections with antibiotics, contact our office for an appointment.