Supercharging Pop Health Programs with a Strong Dose of Medication Data

Patients fail to fill their prescriptions for several reasons. First, the cost of medication is a significant barrier; many patients face “sticker shock” at the pharmacy counter, leading to prescription abandonment when out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable. Second, logistical issues such as lack of transportation or difficulty getting to the pharmacy during business hours can get in the way of patients picking up their medications. Third, patients often don’t realize the importance of taking their medications and the consequences of not following their doctors’ instructions. The complexity of medication regimens, including the number of pills and frequency of doses, also can overwhelm patients, leading to non-adherence. These challenges make it clear that healthcare providers need solutions that address both financial and logistical barriers to ensure patients follow through with their prescribed treatments. Last but not least, patients don’t fill their medications because they simply forget to do so.