Survey: Affluent Areas Have Cheaper Drugs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A new survey on drug prices in middle Tennessee reveals differences of up to $400 a month for some prescriptions, depending on where the patient has it filled.

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"When it comes to what you pay in Nashville, it varies as much as 40 percent, depending on where you go," said Robert Hendrick, chief operating officer of Change: Healthcare.

Brentwood-based Change: Healthcare, a health care consulting company, surveyed retailers in Franklin, Bellevue, Green Hills and Hermitage. Overall, the more affluent areas proved to be most cost effective.

"You can make some general statements that more affluent areas are generally more cost effective," said Hendrick. "But the one rule of thumb is that you really need to check the price; they do vary pretty drastically."

Among the findings in the August survey: A store in Franklin was selling the multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone for more than $2,800. The same store in Bellevue however sold that same prescription for more than $3,700.

Experts say prescription prices can be negotiated, noting that some retailers even offer free generics.

Mail-order programs may be more cost effective if a patient must have a name-brand drug, Hendrick said.

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