Doctor helps others save on prescriptions

By ASHLEY HORNE
Special for The Citizen

Unable to find a book to recommend for his patients on how to save money on prescription drugs, Dr. Michael P. Cecil, M.D., became motivated to write his own.

He spent over two years researching and the outcome was his book, “Drugs For Less: The Complete Guide to Free and Discounted Prescription Drugs,” which has become the answer for many who have other plans for their money.

“As a society Americans collectively spend about $250 billion on prescription drugs,” said Dr. Cecil. This is an overwhelming amount and people are unaware that there are many different approaches they can take in order to save money.

Dr. Cecil spoke last week at Piedmont Fayette Hospital to the cardiopulmonary support group, where he shared his strategies on how to reduce elevated prescription costs. Robert Armul attended the meeting with his wife, Mary, who underwent a lung transplant five years ago. They came to give hope to the other COPD patients. Although the Armuls say they are fortunate with their prescription plan, Dr. Cecil opened their eyes to other options, and ways to save money.

In his book Dr. Cecil outlines seven specific strategies that will save consumers “50 percent or more on more than 600 commonly prescribed medications.” A few of the strategies include ways and where to comparison shop, when generic medications would be a suitable substitute, using pharmaceutical assistance programs and how to put your government to work for you.

“’Drugs For Less’, is a practical, comprehensive and invaluable contribution to American medicine. It should be read and reread by patients, consumers and health professionals,” said Laurence S. Sperling, M.D., of Emory University.

Dr. Cecil also spoke and signed his book at Books-A-Million in Peachtree City recently. The “seven strategies” are also featured in the July issue of Money magazine. Cecil is a graduate of the University of Louisville, received his post-graduate from Emory University specializing in cardiology as well as nuclear and internal medicine. He currently practices in Atlanta. Visit him at www.drmichael.com.