V-A drug treatment guidelines for five diseases due Oct. 1.

V-A DRUG TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR FIVE DISEASES will be promulgated by Oct. 1, Veterans Administration Chief Consultant for Pharmacy Benefits Management John Ogden said at a Sept. 17 meeting of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. The diseases -- hyperlipidemia, non-insulin dependent diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and HIV -- are among the 10 most costly for the V-A, Ogden told attendees of the information management meeting in Itasca, Ill. The guidelines were drafted by a medical advisory panel and are now being circulated for review and comment. At least six more drug treatment guidelines are expected by the first of the year.