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Unpacking the Cost of Medication Nonadherence: Findings from the 2026 Physician Drug Cost Survey

A recent report from RazorMetrics emphasizes a critical yet often overlooked issue within healthcare: the link between medication costs and patient adherence. According to their 2026 Physician Drug Cost Survey, an alarming 96% of physicians contend that they have patients who have stopped taking their prescribed medications solely due to cost-related issues, and most of these patients did not communicate their decision to their healthcare providers. This disconnect can have serious implications for patient health outcomes and underscores the necessity for better communication between patients and providers.

The Disconnect Between Cost and Care

RazorMetrics' findings illustrate a pressing concern where affordability dictates treatment plans. Dr. Siva Mohan, co-founder of RazorMetrics, explains, "Adherence to prescribed medications is vital to patient outcomes. Yet our survey shows that affordability is regularly affecting treatment plans." This situation prompts a dual response: the need for patients to communicate their financial constraints and for physicians to foster an environment where such discussions can occur seamlessly.

The survey detailed the experiences of over 100 U.S. physicians, highlighting the sad reality that while many providers are mindful of the issue, they lack adequate tools and systems to facilitate proper medication management based on cost considerations. A staggering 95% of surveyed doctors expressed readiness to switch patients to lower-cost alternatives if informed, indicating a willingness to act when presented with the right information.

Administrative Burden on Physicians

The survey also identified another significant challenge: the administrative burden associated with addressing medication costs. Many providers reported time-consuming efforts in resolving these affordability issues post-prescription. For instance, 66% of practitioners stated that they or their staff dedicate at least five hours each week to tackle medication cost issues, which can detract from patient care.

In fact, 72% of physicians indicated that they spend at least five hours weekly on prior authorization approvals. The prevalent use of real-time benefit tools, meant to streamline the prescription process and keep costs low, is still in its infancy. Nearly two-thirds of physicians indicated they have encountered poor experiences with these tools, leading to skepticism regarding their efficiency.

The Push for Lower-Cost Medications

RazorMetrics findings align with their earlier consumer survey, which demonstrated that approximately 84% of insured patients wish their healthcare providers would proactively select more affordable medication options for them. This desire signals a gap in the therapeutic relationship, where both patients and doctors are seeking a collaborative approach to manage drug costs more effectively.

Moreover, with nearly half of prescribers stating that fewer workflow interruptions would enhance the efficacy of outreach strategies, it is imperative for health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to implement solutions that integrate with existing workflows. This would help both parties in making informed decisions that prioritize patient care over bureaucratic obstacles.

Bridging the Gap

Tom Dorsett, CEO and co-founder of RazorMetrics, elaborates on this point, stating that the lack of physician-reported data on drug affordability often leads to a fragmented understanding of the issue. The survey serves as a wake-up call: health plans, employers, and PBMs can use this data to develop more effective strategies that make lower-cost options accessible to patients in real-time.

RazorMetrics has acknowledged this and announced that their provider network now spans nearly 1.7 million unique prescribers, aiming to ensure that lower-cost medication options are readily available at crucial moments in patient care.

Dr. Mohan concludes, "All parties—physicians, patients, and payers—desire solutions that tackle affordability while enhancing patient outcomes. Addressing this dual necessity calls for solutions integrated within existing workflows that highlight lower-cost alternatives." The implications of these findings prompt a further inquiry into how healthcare systems can evolve and adapt to prioritize the financial aspects of patient medication adherence.

To read the full findings of the 2026 Physician Drug Cost Survey, visit RazorMetrics. The survey results will also be discussed in an upcoming live webinar titled "Two Surveys. One Undeniable Gap" on September 29, 2026.