[e-drug] Re: Information on Essential drugs and Generic prescribing (cont'd)

[Joel Lexchin <joel.lexchin@utoronto.ca>]

E-drug: Re: Information on Essential drugs and Generic prescribing (cont'd)
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I don't know what the rate of prescribing by generic name is in Canada,
although I'd guess it's pretty low but generic dispensing is reasonably
high where there are generic equivalents for drugs on provincial drug
formularies.  Nearly all provinces have adopted a policy of only
reimbursing pharmacists for the least costly generic equivalent.  Let me
give an example to clarify what I mean.  Suppose Drug X is listed on the
formulary at $1.00 a pill and there are also two generic equivalents one
priced at $0.90 a pill and one priced at $0.80 a pill.  No matter which
of the three a pharmacist dispenses she will only be reimbursed at $0.80
a pill.

Joel Lexchin

--
Joel Lexchin MD
Townhouse #2--40 Cedar Crescent
Glenside, S.A. 5065
Australia
Tel:  +61 8 8338 0151
e mail:  joel.lexchin@utoronto.ca

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