Prescription Prices Are Too Damn High

Our nation loves prescriptions.

According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center, “Nearly 70% of Americans take one prescription drug and more than half take two.”

It gets better. Approximately 20% of Americans use at least five prescription medications. Imagine the cost savings if Direct Care doctors directly prescribed a majority of these at wholesale prices.

Prescription drug use has been increasing steadily in the U.S. for the last ten years.

So what drugs are being prescribed, and why?

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Can A Drug-Dealing Robot Increase Direct Care Value?

Can A Drug-Dealing Robot Increase Direct Care Value?

Wired reports on a disruptive technology entering the healthcare market. PillPack, a startup pharmacy, hopes to overthrow the archaic process of picking up prescriptions. They’re charging $20 a month to enroll. PillPack will then deliver “drugs” directly to your doorstep. With the help of robots, all of your meds are organized into “dose packets,” which are small, well-designed plastic baggies. They’re even marked with the date and time they’re supposed to be taken.

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LISTEN: Atlas MD Podcast, Ep. 11

LISTEN: Atlas MD Podcast, Ep. 11

You can stream the next session of our Atlas MD podcast on iTunes. First off, congratulations to new members of the direct primary care community. Anne Riggs in Pratt City has opened her own direct primary care clinic. And Dr. Laurie in New Hampshire will be converting to a cash-only model come the first of the year.

We’ve been on what we’ve jokingly referred to as a “World Tour” and this Saturday we’ll be speaking at The Physicians’ Summit in Dallas. If it’s like any of our recent engagements, we’ll expect a “mob” of doctors and industry folks to bombard us with questions about our direct care model. But seriously, we’re equally amazed and blessed to have our take on healthcare reform met with such interest and enthusiasm. Thank you!

LISTEN TO EPISODE 11 OF THE ATLAS MD PODCAST HERE

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LISTEN: Atlas MD Podcast, Ep. 3

LISTEN: Atlas MD Podcast, Ep. 3

The third taping of the Atlas MD podcast is live. You can stream it on iTunes. Drs. Josh and Doug focused this week on dispensing prescriptions from your own office. The team goes over everything you need to know — state legislation, permits, etc. They also offer some tips about what’s realistic to prescribe and what prescriptions you’ll want to coordinate with local pharmacies.

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