Dr. Emmanuel Yumang and other select KHP physicians are earning triple points toward their quality scores by closing gaps with the Statin Use in Persons with Diabetes (SUPD) measure. The measure recommends moderate to high intensity statin therapy for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in persons 40-75 years old with diabetes. “I…
Consider “Deprescribing”: Three Important Steps
Deprescribing refers to the process of discontinuing the usage of an inappropriate or unnecessary medication. Patients are often prescribed a medication for a legitimate ongoing medical conditions, but with no intent of using that medication for the remainder of their lifetime. The purpose of de-prescribing is to manage polypharmacy and improve health outcomes. Some people…
Warn Your Patients: 10 Photosensitive Medications
Summertime is here and with it brings a perfect opportunity to remind your patients not only about the importance of sun protection but also medications they are taking which could make them more sensitive to the sun’s rays. According to Carrie Schanen, KHP Managed Care Pharmacist, research shows that unprotected skin can be damaged by…
Compare the Costs: Combo Meds are 80% More Expensive
Drug companies often combine two cheap generic medications that have been around for decades, sometimes slightly altering their doses, and then market them as a “new” expensive brand name medication. Most often, there is little evidence that these combination medications work any better than the two individual agents. However, what is evident is that these…
Are Your Patients Keeping a Secret?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition affecting approximately 33 million people in the U.S. It’s estimated that up to 30% of men and 40% of women experience OAB symptoms, which includes urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia with or without incontinence. According to Carrie Schanen, KHP Managed Care Pharmacist, the actual number of persons affected…
KHP Best Practice: Prescribe 90 Days
Did you know that an estimated one out of every 10 instances of medication non-adherence is due to patients being late to pick up their monthly refill? Utilizing 90-day supplies is one easy way to reduce the risk of patients forgetting a refill and the associated medical costs of adverse events due to a missed…
Gabapentin: Neuropathic Pain Control at Lower Cost
Among patients reporting at least some type of pain within the last year, it’s estimated that up to 15 percent likely have some neuropathic component contributing to their pain. Identifying and effectively treating neuropathic pain can be a challenge. It is associated with significant impairments in health-related quality of life as well as a substantial…
KentuckyOne Medical Plan Formulary
A new formulary has been released for the CHI/KentuckyOne Health Medical Plan. Check out this KHP tip sheet for retired medications and preferred alternatives. If you have patients insured through the CHI Medical Plan, save this list on your desktop and post in your office. Prescribing covered medications will help ensure medication adherence and prevent disruptions…
4 Tips to Increase Medication Adherence and Help Your Patients Save Money on Prescriptions
The cost of prescription medications continues to climb with no end in sight. Not surprisingly, one in four people has difficulty affording their prescription medications. Use these four tips to help increase your patients’ medication adherence and to help them reduce out of pocket costs on prescriptions. 1. Initiate the conversation: ask patients about prescription…
Four Important Updates for the 2017-18 Flu Season
The flu season has arrived! Be prepared by reviewing newly released CDC recommendations and these four important updates. The time to get vaccinated is NOW! Influenza vaccination should optimally occur before the end of October, however administration later in the season is still beneficial. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months or older without…