Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) to assess antibiotic utilization in acute respiratory tract infections

Background. Many studies have demonstrated the inappropriate overutilization of antibiotics in certain acute non pneumonic RTIs (ARTIs). This may be associated with unnecessary costs and potential for resistance from antibiotic use. Factors behind this practice are many. Some have been studied and many still need more exploration. Objectives. The objectives of this study were to (a) provide specific information on the influence of prescription drug coverage on antibiotic utilization; (b) the influence of prescribing antibiotics on patient reported satisfaction; (c) explore the effect of drug copayment on prescribing of antibiotics. The study also estimated the total cost in dollars that may be saved from the direct cost of antibiotics to both the insurers and patients when paying for these medications that may be used inappropriately. Methods. A retrospective study of prescription events associated with ARTIs was identified from the Household Component (HC) of the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between the different variables in the study with antibiotic utilization. Results. The study found that the likelihood of being prescribed an antibiotic, which may be of high cost and unnecessary, is greater when patients have prescription drug coverage. However, no effects were related to drug copayment on antibiotic utilization. The study also suggests that in this population the level of patient satisfaction with the quality of care provided is not influenced by whether antibiotics are prescribed or not. Conclusion. The findings from this study provide more insight to insurers and designers of drug coverage plans, who should closely monitor prescribing patterns for these conditions to avoid unnecessary cost as well as resistance from such antibiotics. They should not focus on antibiotic prescribing as a means of patient satisfaction, but on the appropriate use of such antibiotics and the avoidance of unwanted effects. More research is needed to examine the effect of the different copayment tier systems introduced in the last couple of years on the utilization of these drugs and whether they may help reduce the unnecessary use of these drugs.