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Research ArticleOriginal Article

Impact of Vaginal Antifungal Products on Utilization of Health Care Services: Evidence from Physician Visits

Martin S. Lipsky, Teresa Waters and Lisa K. Sharp
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice May 2000, 13 (3) 178-182; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/15572625-13-3-178
Martin S. Lipsky
From the Department of Family Medicine (MSL, LKS), Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago; and the Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies (TW), Evanston, Ill.
MD
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Teresa Waters
From the Department of Family Medicine (MSL, LKS), Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago; and the Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies (TW), Evanston, Ill.
PhD
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Lisa K. Sharp
From the Department of Family Medicine (MSL, LKS), Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago; and the Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies (TW), Evanston, Ill.
PhD
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Abstract

Background: Recently many medications fonnerly available only by prescription have been approved for over-the-counter (OTC) status. In 1990, clotrimazole became the first available OTC drug to treat candidal vaginitis. Subsequently several other prescription antifungal medications have also been available in OTC products. One proposed benefit of these switches from prescription to OTC status is a reduction in the utilization of health care services.

Metbods: Using National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data, the average numbers of annual visits for vaginal complaints were estimated for 1985, 1990, and 1994. These years were chosen because they represented periods before, close to, and after the approval of the OTC antifungal preparations. The estimated visits for each year were compared using a chi-square analysis with a sample weight correction.

Results: There was a 15% decline in the number of vaginitis visits from 1990 to 1994 that potentially could be attributed to the availability of the OTC antifungal preparations. The decrease in physician visits results in approximately $45 million in direct cost savings and another $18.75 million in indirect savings by reducing time lost from work.

Conclusions: It appears that the availability of OTC anticandidal fungal preparations reduces the number of physician visits for vaginitis, resulting in cost savings.

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The Journal of the American Board of Family     Practice: 13 (3)
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
Vol. 13, Issue 3
1 May 2000
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Impact of Vaginal Antifungal Products on Utilization of Health Care Services: Evidence from Physician Visits
Martin S. Lipsky, Teresa Waters, Lisa K. Sharp
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice May 2000, 13 (3) 178-182; DOI: 10.3122/15572625-13-3-178

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Impact of Vaginal Antifungal Products on Utilization of Health Care Services: Evidence from Physician Visits
Martin S. Lipsky, Teresa Waters, Lisa K. Sharp
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice May 2000, 13 (3) 178-182; DOI: 10.3122/15572625-13-3-178
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