New Medication has Implications to avoid Would-be Chronic Diseases
By Jisha Thomas, PharmD Introduction Obesity rates are at an all-time high at 42.4%, according to the latest CDC records from 2017 to 2018. This number has increased dramatically from 30.5% according to the records ranging from 1999 to 2000.1 Obesity increases the risk for many health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, […]
Cardiovascular Health in Women: Unmasking the Silent Killer Beyond Pink Ribbons
Heart disease in women remains the number one cause of death in the United States. However, it often goes unrecognized, underdiagnosed, and underrepresented, particularly when compared to the widespread awareness surrounding breast cancer. Cardiovascular disease prevention is crucial, as women face unique challenges that make early detection difficult. In this article, we will explore how […]
10 Ingredients for Aging Healthily
By: Hannah Grice, PharmD September is Healthy Aging Month and has been created to bring national awareness to positive aspects of aging. According to the US Census Bureau, in July of 2019, there were more than 54 million people 65 and older living in the U.S.1 The number of older adults is projected to continue to […]
Seniors and Their Meds: Top 5 Recommendations on Medication Safety
By Saima Ayub Safely managing medications is crucial for senior health. Studies have shown that roughly 90% of older adults aged 65+ take one medicine, 40% take more than five, and 20% take more than ten. The older one gets, the odds of taking more medications increase and can lead to increased side effects and […]
Enhancing Medicare Patients’ Quality of Life
Chronic Care Management Makes Graceful Aging Possible Susan Widmar – content writer Some say aging isn’t for sissies. At her 100th birthday party, the celebrant answered what it was like to be 100, “Don’t work for it, honey.” Dan Buettner’s Blue Zone1 studies have made healthy aging part of our daily lexicon. He offers step-by-step ways […]
The Triple Win: How CCM Benefits Patients, Practices And Bottom Lines
In 2015, Primary Care Physicians became eligible to receive Medicare reimbursement for non-face-to-face Chronic Care Management (CCM) Services for patients with two or more chronic conditions under current procedural terminology (CPT) Code 99490. An additional CPT Code (99487) was added in 2017 for Complex CCM, enabling physicians to bill for additional 30 minute increments of non-face-to-face time […]
Leveraging Pharmacist-Led Chronic Care Management (CCM) Services To Decrease Acute Care Stays For Diabetic Patients
As the national healthcare model has transitioned from volume-based to value-based care, the role of the physician has also shifted. In the value-based care model, physicians are held accountable to deliver the best outcome at the lowest cost. The role of the physician has been redefined to include stewardship of the healthcare economy. November is Diabetes […]
Why Should Physicians Participate in Medicare’s Chronic Care Management?
The US healthcare system is designed to serve people with short-term, acute medical problems. The system is less equipped to provide care to people with long-term chronic conditions. The statistics are alarming. These patients “…account for 81% of hospital admissions; 91% of all prescriptions filled; and 76% of all physician visits” The “Silver Tsunami”, as […]
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Practice Should Consider Chronic Care Management (CCM)
According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 45 million of the 60 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries have 2 or more chronic conditions. These conditions affect a patient’s quality of life. They are often complex, costly, time-consuming to manage and frequently require after hours care. Independent studies indicate that primary care physicians are […]
Too Much of a Good Thing? Unpacking the Rise of Polypharmacy in Seniors
By Cynthia Nwaubani, PharmD, BCGP Introduction In an era marked by a rapidly aging population, the challenge of managing polypharmacy—the use of multiple medications by a patient, particularly among those over 65—has emerged as a pivotal issue for healthcare providers. For small independent clinics and larger health systems, addressing polypharmacy effectively is critical to optimizing […]