Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What can trigger high-cost drug alerts in decision support systems?

1. Patient age factors

2. Historical prescription patterns of the physician

3. Alerts suggesting lower-cost alternatives

4. All patient complaints received

The correct answer is: Alerts suggesting lower-cost alternatives

High-cost drug alerts in decision support systems are often triggered by alerts suggesting lower-cost alternatives. This mechanism is designed to promote cost-effective medication options while ensuring that patients receive effective treatment. By highlighting available alternatives that may offer similar therapeutic benefits at a reduced cost, healthcare providers are encouraged to consider options that can help manage overall healthcare expenditures. This type of alert not only aids in clinical decision-making but also supports the broader financial sustainability of healthcare systems. It fosters a culture of cost-awareness within healthcare settings, which is increasingly important as the focus on value-based care continues to grow. The other options, while relevant to the overall context of patient care, do not directly trigger high-cost drug alerts. Patient age factors, historical prescription patterns of the physician, and patient complaints may influence clinical decision-making but are not mechanisms used specifically to generate alerts about high-cost medications compared to lower-cost alternatives. Thus, the emphasis on lower-cost alternatives aligns directly with the objective of reducing unnecessary healthcare costs through informed prescribing practices.