The Opt-e-scrip method for determining prescriptions is virtually the same method that is used to assess new drugs for regulatory approval (i.e.,controlled experiments to reduce systematic error, reduce random variation, increase precision of assessment). However, instead of applying the techniques of scientific investigation to populations, these methods are applied to the individual patient. Opt-e-scrip's proprietary methods are used to assess alternative choices within a therapeutic class for effectiveness and safety before prescribing a specific agent for an individual patient. In this case, however, because the drugs are already marketed and cost information is available, when two or more agents are equally safe and effective, a decision can be made reliably on cost as a relevant factor (2006).