The costs and consequences of multiple sclerosis relapses: a managed care perspective.

One of the more common "rare diseases," multiple sclerosis (MS) offers a prototype to managed care for a unique and cost-effective model to better manage the outcomes of this dreaded disease. Using a specialty pharmacy model, the application of traditional disease management processes, including monthly contact, selected clinical assessments combined with targeted interventions, and data collection and analysis, hold the promise to significantly lower the relapse rate and disability progression for patients with MS. At the same time, savings in both direct and indirect costs should occur.