Alpha Blocker and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Prescribing Habits Among Urologists and Primary Care Physicians
January 2019
in “
Urology Practice
”
TLDR Urologists prescribe newer medications more often than primary care physicians, who could benefit from more education on treatment options.
The study analyzed the prescribing habits of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors among urologists and primary care physicians using Medicare Part D data from 2015. It found that 94% of urologists, 50% of internal medicine physicians, and 61% of family medicine physicians prescribed alpha blockers. Urologists were more likely to prescribe multiple and newer agents, while primary care physicians favored older agents. For 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, 87.5% of urologists, 32% of internal medicine physicians, and 34.4% of family medicine physicians issued prescriptions. Urologists tended to prescribe single medications more habitually. The study suggested that primary care physicians, who often initiate treatment, could benefit from further education on medical options and appropriate indications.
