Dispensing doctors and non-dispensing doctors — a comparison of their prescribing costs

Abstract

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.