AHA presents guidelines for managing manifestations of VTE
April 19th 2011There are several therapies in addition to blood thinners that physicians should consider when managing patients with deep vein thrombosis, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association. The statement is published online in Circulation.
AHRQ report reveals increase in medication side effects and injuries
April 15th 2011The number of people treated in U.S. hospitals for illnesses and injuries from taking medicines increased 52%-from 1.2 million to 1.9 million-between 2004 and 2008, according to an April 2011 report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Antibiotic stewardship: Perspective on clinical decision-making
April 15th 2011Excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of drug-resistant pathogens. A sharp decline in development of new antibiotics has limited antimicrobial treatment options. Consequently, as infections become more difficult to treat, patient outcomes may worsen and healthcare costs may rise.
ASCP lobbies to expand MTM role for LTC pharmacists
April 15th 2011CMS is considering new regulations that would require Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to contract directly with long-term-care facilities rather than with consultant pharmacists. This doesn't sit well with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
Pharmacists petition against mandatory mail order
April 15th 2011Many third-party payers have either switched to or are considering moving to a mail-order requirement for long-term prescriptions that would prevent patients from choosing to purchase medications through retail pharmacies. Pharmacists and patients are pushing back.
PPACA moves medication adherence to center stage
April 15th 2011The role of pharmacists in medication adherence has taken center stage nationally since last year's passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, when medication adherence and medication therapy management were recognized as areas that should receive funding.
The Drug Topics 2011 Salary Survey
April 15th 2011Finding stability in an unstable economy can be difficult, but it seems that many pharmacists have done just that. Pharmacists report low unemployment rates, high salaries, and high job satisfaction at a time when many industries are struggling with layoffs and budget cuts. But the perks of being a pharmacist don't come without stress.
Public health approaches in ethnically diverse populations
April 15th 2011As America's diverse population continues to grow, disparities in healthcare delivery have become more prevalent. Studies show that when it comes to healthcare benchmarks, many racial and ethnically diverse populations are at a disadvantage
Dispensing controlled substances
April 15th 2011DEA's "Office of Diversion Control" prevents, detects, and investigates the diversion of controlled substances from legitimate sources while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical needs. To accomplish this mission, the DEA sets forth regulations designed to prevent any such diversion.