Do utilization management controls for phototherapy increase the prescription of biologics?

The use of phototherapy for psoriasis has declined because of inconvenience, managed care disincentives, and poor reimbursements. However, phototherapy is safer than other options, and the efficacy rates for different methods of phototherapy are among the highest of all available treatment options. Phototherapy is also one of the least costly treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. We hypothesize that utilization management controls on phototherapy shift patients to more expensive and risky systemic treatments. Reducing disincentives on phototherapy will benefit both patients and payors, while increasing physicians' ability to manage this debilitating disease.