Disease registries and managed care.

Disease registries can potentially add significant value to managed care. Disease registries track pathophysiologic changes over time, whereas drug registries are important scientific initiatives that can provide payers with information critical to making optimal decisions regarding a therapy's efficacy, safety, utilization patterns, and cost. Registries can also render value to physicians and patients. Participating in registries serves to inform everyone striving for optimal outcomes with important safety and efficacy data. Knowledge gleaned from registries has led to the creation of standards of care that have gained widespread support from by payers, providers, and patients alike. If used properly and cautiously, disease registries can become a standard clinical reference point.