Aetna is taking steps to combat antibiotic resistance and inappropriate use of antibiotics - Drug Cost Strategies in Brief - Brief Article

Drug Cost Management Report, Jan, 2003

* Aetna is taking steps to combat antibiotic resistance and inappropriate use of antibiotics. The Aetna Foundation has granted $40,000 to the Pennsylvania Medical Society Foundation to fund the Pennsylvania Coalition to Save Antibiotic Strength (PaCSAS) campaign, which educates health professionals and the general public about the appropriate use of antibiotics.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary and are contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) commissioned a study that found that one of three Americans incorrectly believes that antibiotics are an effective way to treat viruses that cause a cold or influenza. Aetna's grant will support the mailing of a counter-detailing brochure and CDC educational materials to physicians and patients. Aetna says it has a long-standing commitment to fighting antibiotic resistance, and has been working with the CDC since 1998 toward this goal. The company says its outreach efforts have resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the average number of antibiotic prescriptions written per patient. Information: Walt Cherniak, Aetna, (301) 636-1012, CherniakJrW@aetna.com.