Research from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics showed a 2.3 percent increase in spending on prescription medicines in the U.S. last year, markedly lower than the 5.1 percent growth rate in 2009, according to a company news release.
In the study, the IMS Institute found although total dollars spent on medications in the U.S. reached $307.4 billion last year, real per capita spending clocked in at $898, representing a modest $6 increase from 2009. The volume of prescription medicines consumed overall rose at historically low levels in 2010.
In its analysis, the IMS Institute identified several key drivers in declining U.S. spending on prescription drugs. Among them, the number of visits to doctor offices was down 4.2 percent and number of patients starting new treatments for chronic conditions declined by 3.4 million last year. Chain pharmacies, the introduction of 44 new prescription products and prescription prices also contributed to the trend.
Read the news release about U.S. spending on prescription drugs.
Read other coverage about supply chain:
- Medline Signs $250M Distribution Agreement With Surgical Care Affiliates
- Device Makers' Confidentiality Will Raise Costs, AHRMM Says
- Physicians Plan to Switch Suppliers as Market Evolves, Researchers Suggest
In the study, the IMS Institute found although total dollars spent on medications in the U.S. reached $307.4 billion last year, real per capita spending clocked in at $898, representing a modest $6 increase from 2009. The volume of prescription medicines consumed overall rose at historically low levels in 2010.
In its analysis, the IMS Institute identified several key drivers in declining U.S. spending on prescription drugs. Among them, the number of visits to doctor offices was down 4.2 percent and number of patients starting new treatments for chronic conditions declined by 3.4 million last year. Chain pharmacies, the introduction of 44 new prescription products and prescription prices also contributed to the trend.
Read the news release about U.S. spending on prescription drugs.
Read other coverage about supply chain:
- Medline Signs $250M Distribution Agreement With Surgical Care Affiliates
- Device Makers' Confidentiality Will Raise Costs, AHRMM Says
- Physicians Plan to Switch Suppliers as Market Evolves, Researchers Suggest