Letter re: Reducing costs while enhancing quality of care in MS.

Abstract

I read with interest the article by Drs. Kister and Corboy,1 the accompanying editorial by Drs. Bourdette and Whitham,2 and the online correspondence by Dr. Yanofsky.3 Is it a good solution to propose lower doses of medicine or off-label prescribing for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)?1 The unbridled rise in the cost of MS drugs resulted in a focus on drug prices.4 In countries facing economic crisis, the fear of high-cost medicine restricts health care access and makes health a prevalent problem, directly shaking the foundation of democracies.5 The cost of MS disease-modifying therapies has especially increased substantially over time, thus rendering nonurban uninsured residents in poor countries worldwide excluded from treatment. Two solutions seem more appropriate: (1) refocus on how to improve patient care by examining the expectations and perceptions of patients regarding the quality of health care they want; and (2) demand more government price controls and clarity regarding the so-called financial alliances. As the ancient philosopher Protagoras said, “Of all things the measure is Man.”