Primary care physicians only correctly estimate Medicare beneficiaries' adherence to their medication regimens about half of the time, and they are more likely to overestimate adherence than underestimate it, according to a study in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy.
The results of the study underscore the importance of physicians' ability to identify medication nonadherence, as it is associated with adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs, according to the American Journal of Managed Care. This is especially pertinent among those enrolled in Medicare, whose average medication regimens include six to eight medications.
The study assessed 226 PCPs' perceptions of patient medication adherence compared with actual adherence for each of the CMS Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug star measures, which revolve around treatment for chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Results showed while most PCPs believe more than 75 percent of their patients adhere to renin-angiotensin system antagonists and diabetes agents, only 50 percent to 75 percent adhere to statins.
Researchers also asked PCPs about patients' financial categories and whether they received medication samples, as samples are not captured in pharmacy claims and are therefore not reflected in adherence calculation rates. Less than 25 percent of patients were said to use samples in this survey, according to the report.
The study authors emphasized the need for physicians to be aware of medication nonadherence among their patients, concluding that patient education efforts are likely an important step in overcoming barriers to adherence.