Physicians can help reduce the large number of patients who do not take their prescription drugs due to the high cost by proactively discussing the topic of drug costs during the clinical encounter and developing a plan for assistance.
Physicians should be aware when developing a treatment plan that patients' lack of trust in the medical profession can affect their willingness to seek medical treatment and comply with the treatment.
The Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005 supports entities that provide counseling and health care coordination to low-income patients who suffer from cancer or other chronic diseases.