I read with interest columnist Dr. Charles Atkins' experience in accessing the pharmaceutical companies' patient assistance programs. If an application is approved, most companies ship the medication to the doctor, who has to store the drugs and contact the patient for pick-up. Most patients must reapply every three months, during which time a company may remove the drug from the program or deny the application due to a change in eligibility requirements. Although these programs provide the last hope for many patients, repeated frustrations discourage physicians from following through with the process. Some manufacturers are aware of these problems and appear open to suggestions about how to make their programs more accessible.
Tools do exist to help doctors.
Volunteers in Health Care, a national resource center funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has created a free, Web-based, searchable database of pharmaceutical programs. Many application forms can be obtained on the site. I applaud Dr. Atkins for addressing his patients' access issues and encourage other physicians to take the same active role. R.I. Back to top.