Medicare Drug Program Fails to Monitor Prescribers, Putting Seniors and Disabled at Risk

"In lawsuits and disciplinary records, state and federal authorities cite a number of reasons that doctors prescribe improperly. Some run mills where patients get prescriptions if they pay cash for a visit. Others have relationships with drug companies that influence what they prescribe. Regulators say some doctors choose inappropriate medications under pressure from families or facilities. Research also shows that doctors often don't keep up with the latest studies and drug warnings. ProPublica's examination of Part D data from 2007 through 2010 showed that, in many cases, Medicare failed to act against providers who have been suspended or disciplined by other regulatory authorities." Read the full investigation published by ProPublica and The Washington Post here.

Also published this weekend is a database of Medicare's prescription drug program.