Table 3.
Interventions Physician May Use to Assist Patients Burdened by Their Out-of-pocket Prescription Costs13–17
| Switch from brand name to generic drug |
| Switch to a cheaper brand name drug within the same drug class |
| Switch from nonformulary to formulary drug |
| Critically review medication list and consider selective discontinuation of nonessential drugs |
| Prescribe a higher dose of the medicine and ask the patient to split the pills |
| Refer patient to a pharmaceutical company assistance program |
| Refer patient to a public aid agency or social worker |
| Give the patient office samples |
| Recommend the use of an over-the-counter medicine as a substitute |