Table 1.
Diagnostic Codes and Therapeutic Drug Classes for the Diseases Studied
| Disease | ICD-9-CM Code | Therapeutic Drug Classes or Drugsa |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes mellitus | 250.X0, 250.X2 | α-Glucosidase inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, biguanides |
| Hypertension | 401.X | β-Adrenergic blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics |
| Hypercholesterolemia | 272.X | Statins |
| Osteoporosis | 733.0X | Bisphosphonates |
| Seizure disorders | 345.X | Hydantoins, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, barbiturates, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid derivatives, sulfonamides |
| Hypothyroidism | 244.X | Thyroid preparations |
| Gout | 274.X | Allopurinol, uricosurics |
ICD-9-CM = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification; ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme.
a
Includes all generic and brand-name drugs, as well as combination products. When determining adherence rates, we also included the days’ supplies dispensed for relatively uncommon agents. These agents were centrally acting antiadrenergics, peripherally acting antiadrenergics, vasodilators, and eplerenone for hypertension; bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, ezetimibe, and niacin for hypercholesterolemia; and succinimides, felbamate, gabapentin, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and tiagabine for seizure disorders.