Prescribing to save patients money: Ethical considerations

In offering treatment options to their patients, physicians should always consider safety and efficacy. However, it is also important for physicians to consider the cost of medications and the out-of-pocket expense to patients, regardless of whether prescribed for cosmetic, "lifestyle," or medical indications. The final cost for which patients are responsible is dependent on several factors, such as the manufacturer's wholesale price, drug formularies, tiers and contractual copays set by insurance companies, and individual pharmacy discounts.