Soaring ointment prices are a dermatologic mystery

Other than pharmacy benefit managers, which manage prescription drug plans, few other players in the health care market make decisions based on cost. When doctors write a prescription, they often fail to consider the price of the drug. And since many patients have prescription drug coverage, they also often ignore the cost. The situation can create a lucrative opening for some companies, especially in a low-profile corner of the industry like dermatology, where price increases might not attract broader notice.