Update and Correction to SMI Case Study on Pharmacy Privatization

Last year we released a case study on the privatization of the county’s pharmacy services. With the release of the 2008 county budget at the end of last year, we have been able to update and correct come of the information it contains. Here is the original study. Here is a statement explaining the updates and corrections in detail. Finally, here are some things to keep in mind about the update and corrections:

• Nobody called us on this. Our own follow-up research led to the corrections, and we are making these changes in the interest of accuracy.
• The error in the 2007 data was not our fault. We used a number provided to us by Saint Louis County. I am certain that nobody intentionally gave us a lower-than-accurate number. It was just an error. These things happen; you correct them and move on.
• Most importantly, the essential point of the case study, and its conclusions, remain exactly the same: that privatization has been great for county government, patients, and taxpayers. The only change is that the new numbers show lower savings — but there are still savings. If you adjust for inflation, the new numbers still show substantial cost savings. The improvements to patient services brought about by privatization remain a primary argument for the benefits of privatization, and are not changed by these new numbers.