How the Use of Pharmaceuticals
Can Affect the Cost of Health Care 

Friday, October 5, 2007
8:30 - 10:00 AM (coffee & networking at 8 AM)
Davenport University SOUTHEAST – LETTINGA –  CAMPUS – Meeting Room
6191 Kraft Ave SE - Grand Rapids MI 49512
(Call 616-248-3820 for a map to be faxed or emailed) 

It seems like prescription drugs are becoming more and more expensive.  Many of us are choosing generics whenever possible to save on our out-of-pocket costs.  Also, it seems we are taking more and more drugs all the time.  Are drugs taking the place of other things?  Most of us would choose taking medication over having surgery – is this always the best alternative?  Do prescription drugs drive the cost of health care up in this country? 

Dr. Cab Bond will be our guest speaker at the October First Friday Forum to further explore some of these issues, illustrated by a study of hypertension.  He will describe how the cost of no or poor management of hypertension compares to the cost of effective control.  Many people in the US who have hypertension are not currently receiving treatment - why not?  And why aren’t more of those who are on treatment under control?  What does all of this mean for the health care payer?  …the health care system?  …and the patient or employee? 

You won’t want to miss this special presentation from a renowned researcher.

Speaker:
C A (CAB) Bond, PharmD, FASHP, FCCP, The University Distinguished Professor and Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas 

Moderator:

Paul A Miner, PharmD, Regional Account Scientific Associate Director, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Medical Affairs

RSVP by noon October 4, 2007
Email:  alliance@afh.org

This forum will be videotaped and broadcast on Grand Rapids area cable station 24, Livewire, at 7:00 PM, Friday, October 26, 2007.