Drug Utilization Review

Updated: 29 February 2024

What Does Drug Utilization Review Mean?

A drug utilization review (DUR) is a program that seeks to improve prescription drug use by making drugs safer and more effective. These reviews consist of studies done on the drugs before they are commercially released and used by the public, as well as subsequent studies when they are administered to patients.

Insuranceopedia Explains Drug Utilization Review

Drug utilization reviews are a method used by the government to intervene with pharmacology in order to protect its citizens and improve their health outcomes.

DURs are often done in two time frames:

  • Medical History – The DUR gathers data from the recent past to determine the effects of the drug on patients to whom it is administered
  • Current Drug Study and Inspection – The DUR inspects drugs that are about to be distributed commercially or are currently in use by medical facilities
Go back to top