Hospitals making progress in preventing infections
January 27th 2015According to a new government report, health care-associated (HCA) infections in acute care hospitals decreased between 2011 and 2013, including a 10% drop in Clostridium difficile infections and an 8% decline in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia.
Below-cost reimbursements, exclusionary Medicare drug plans concern community pharmacists
January 22nd 2015A recent survey revealed that below-cost reimbursements for some generics and Medicare drug plans that exclude community pharmacies are the top concerns of members of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).
Oseltamivir use should follow label for most hospitalized patients
January 20th 2015Oseltamivir, an antiviral agent for the treatment of influenza, should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset for most hospitalized patients and outpatients who are suspected of H1N1 or other strains of the flu, according to a recent report in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.
Tops to close 27 New York pharmacies
January 19th 2015Tops Friendly Markets in Williamsville, N.Y., is closing pharmacy departments in 27 of its 162 stores later this month. Instead of pharmacies, Tops will add more fresh food, deli and health and beauty care products. The stores themselves will remain open.