Dispensing doctors and non-dispensing doctors - A comparison of their prescribing costs

Abstract

Objective - To compare and contrast the prescribing behaviour of non-dispensing doctors with that of dispensing doctors and to identify any fundamental differences in the use of specific drugs. Method - Analysis of Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) data for 10 matched pairs of dispensing and non-dispensing practices in one health authority for the year 1997/98. Key findings - Dispensing practices issued more items per patient than non-dispensing practices. Overall, the differences in net ingredient cost per patient and per age-sex-temporary-resident-orientated prescribing unit (ASTROPU) between the two types of practices were small. Dispensing practices had the greatest potential for savings were they to increase their use of generic drugs. Conclusion - This analysis does not support the commonly held view that prescribing costs per patient for dispensing practices are substantially greater than for patients belonging to non-dispensing practices. The main differences between the two groups of practices are that dispensing practices issue more prescriptions and have a reluctance to prescribe generically.