Which of the following drug utilization management (UM) rules applies?

Drug utilization management (UM) encompasses various strategies designed to minimize the risks associated with medication while ensuring that patients receive appropriate therapies. Each of the components—Quantity Limit, Prior Authorization, and Step Therapy—plays a crucial role in managing drug utilization effectively.

Quantity Limits refer to imposing restrictions on the number of doses or the amount of medication that may be dispensed within a specific timeframe. This helps to prevent overuse or abuse of certain medications, ensuring that they are used appropriately.

Prior Authorization involves requiring healthcare providers to obtain approval from a health plan before prescribing a specific medication. This process helps to ensure that the prescribed drug is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient's condition, thereby preventing unnecessary costs or potential harm.

Step Therapy is a protocol that mandates trying lower-cost or safer alternatives before progressing to more expensive or riskier medications. It encourages the use of appropriate first-line treatments before advancing to second-line options, ensuring that treatment is both effective and cost-efficient.

By combining these strategies, drug utilization management effectively optimizes patient care, controls costs, and mitigates risks associated with medication use. Therefore, the selection indicating "All of the above" correctly captures the comprehensive approach of UM, while recognizing the individual roles each rule plays within that context.