Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/316458
H 8 May 2014 Tablets & Capsules packaging Packaging's contribution to patient adherence and cost containment Edward J. Bauer PTIS Everyone benefits when better healthcare is delivered at lower cost. That's been an elusive goal, but boosting patient compli- ance—getting people to take their medicine as prescribed—is a step in the right direction. This article documents how improp- erly managed chronic conditions drive costs higher and outlines how innovative packaging can increase adherence, improve patient outcomes, and reduce expenses. ealthcare and its costs are in the news every day. Members of Congress, the media, pundits, and ordinary people are all talking about it. Topics include insurance coverage, the impact of the Affordable Care Act (Obama - care), the cost of prescriptions, and Medicare. Everyone ex - presses an interest in reducing healthcare costs, but it is unclear who, if indeed anyone, knows how to do it. Mean - while, Medicare is growing and its costs are escalating just as the Baby Boom generation moves into retirement. Plus, no one wants cost considerations to force a decrease in the quantity or quality of healthcare. c-Bauerart_8-13_Masters 5/14/14 10:13 AM Page 8