Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Step therapy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Step therapy: The practice of beginning drug therapy for a medical condition with the most cost-effective and safest drug therapy and progressing to other more costly or risky therapy, only if necessary. The aims are to control costs and minimize risks. Also called step protocol.