Formal programs for assessing drug prescription against some standard. Drug utilization review may consider clinical appropriateness, cost effectiveness, and, in some cases, outcomes. Review is usually retrospective, but some analysis may be done before drugs are dispensed (as in computer systems which advise physicians when prescriptions are entered). Drug utilization review is mandated for Medicaid programs beginning in 1993.

Synonyms: Drug Utilization Evaluation, Drug Use Review, Evaluations, Drug Utilization, Drug Utilization Reviews, Drug-Use Reviews, Drug Utilization Review, Utilization Reviews, Drug, Utilization Review, Drug, Review, Drug Utilization, Drug-Use Review, Drug Utilization Evaluations, Reviews, Drug-Use, Review, Drug-Use, Reviews, Drug Utilization, Evaluation, Drug Utilization, Utilization Evaluations, Drug, Utilization Evaluation, Drug, Review, Drug Use