Advanced Diabetes Supply’s Post

High costs at the pharmacy counter are forcing patients and parents to make some hard choices. It's time to do better. The true drivers of high health costs such as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) must be reformed. Congress and the administration can play a vital role in making this happen. Learn more about how pharmacy middlemen are driving up costs for respiratory medicines and why it's time to act. #healthcare #costs #pharmacybenefitmanagers #healthreform

"Medication adherence is one of the biggest challenges with T2D, and is critical for slowing disease progression and improving glycemic control, ultimately preventing diabetes associated complications and lowering the risk of hospitalization and mortality. Pharmacies have been very successful in the implementation of Med Sync programs to drive medication adherence, and execution of these programs has a financial upside for the pharmacy as well, assuming the pharmacy is reimbursed favorably for the drug being dispensed. Unfortunately, with the majority of T2D patients falling under Medicare, declining reimbursement rates for Part D have put many independent pharmacies in an uncomfortable position, where they are underwater on critical medications—in some cases forcing them to turn away patients because they simply can’t afford to serve them. The watch-out here is that if this is allowed to persist, Med Sync has the potential to backfire. In a scenario where diabetes medications are not reimbursing high enough to cover operational costs, a pharmacy could be financially disincentivized to take on seniors living with diabetes, with many Rx refills serving another punishing blow to their bottom line. Progress could stall, or even reverse." https://lnkd.in/e7duKE4C

"Ontario is consulting on more ways to leverage the expertise of pharmacists to continue making pharmacies a one-stop-shop for more convenient care closer to home." The following scope-expansions are being considered by the Ontario government: 1. Treating and prescribing for 14 additional common ailments, such as sore throat, calluses and corns, mild headaches, shingles, and minor sleep disorders including insomnia. This would make pharmacies able to prescribe medication for a total of 33 common ailments. 2. Ordering specific laboratory tests and performing additional point-of-care tests such as strep throat testing, to make it faster and easier to assess and treat common ailments. 3. Administering additional publicly funded vaccines at pharmacies, including Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pneumococcal, and Shingles. 4. Allowing pharmacy technicians to administer additional vaccines, such as Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Meningococcal, and Human Papillomavirus. 5. Identifying barriers in hospital settings that limit pharmacists from ordering certain laboratory and point-of-care tests. 6. Improving the MedsCheck program to support health outcomes and reduce unnecessary service duplication and administrative red tape. https://lnkd.in/dy4pW7mX #pharmacy #pharmacists

🔍 Simplify Diabetes Management with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) 🔍 Are you ready to empower your diabetes care? US MED is here to guide you through every step of understanding and accessing Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). Whether you’re wondering about prescription requirements or eligibility criteria, our comprehensive guide has all the answers you need. CGMs offer real-time glucose tracking to help those on intensive insulin therapy or managing fluctuating glucose levels. 👩⚕️ Prescription Guidance: Available to adults and children over 2 years old, CGMs can simplify your testing routine and minimize the need for finger pricks. Our experts are here to help you get the prescription process started. ✨ Why Choose US MED? Unmatched Service: A+ rating with the BBB and accredited by ACHC, URAC, and NABP. Convenience: Free priority shipping and automatic reorder reminders. Trusted Partnerships: Accepts Medicare and 500+ private insurers. Gain better insights into your health and explore how US MED’s dedication to exceptional customer care can transform your diabetes management. Visit our website today to learn more. #DiabetesManagement #CGM #ContinuousGlucoseMonitoring #Healthcare #DiabetesCare #USMED

Managing asthma can be pricey, but there are ways to cut down on those medication expenses. Here's a quick guide to help those with asthma breathe easier without breaking the bank: 1️⃣ Shop Around: Explore different pharmacies and online platforms to compare prices. Tools like GoodRx, Singlecare, Medical Assistance Tool, Amazon Pharmacy, and Needymeds can be a wallet's friend! 2️⃣Go Generic: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about generic alternatives. They have the same effectiveness as brand-name drugs but come with a smaller price tag. Amazon Prime members can even snag generics for a flat fee of $5/month with RxPass! 3️⃣ Manufacturer Assistance: Reach out to the medication manufacturer for patient assistance programs. Coupons, discounts, and rebates may be available to lighten the financial load. 4️⃣ Compare Costs: Not all respiratory medications cost the same. Check out the total out-of-pocket expenses for different options. Depending on your insurance coverage, switching devices might save you some serious cash. Education on asthma self-management is a part of EXHALE strategies, which are strategies designed to help people with asthma breathe better. Education on asthma self-management can be delivered in a variety of settings, including clinics, emergency departments, hospitals, pharmacies, schools and homes. 🫁Allergy & Asthma Network is always here to help you and your network, learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8EEQBbg

https://lnkd.in/eUwHMyjJ The Prescription Charges Coalition have highlighted the issues and unfairness in the attached link. But there is a bigger issue for those with B12 deficiency! Prescription Charges increasing on 1st May 2024 impacts those with lifelong conditions like Pernicious Anaemia or those on high dose B12 supplementation for other reasons, such as those with malabsorption or depletion of Vitamin B12 through normal dietary means. People diagnosed with PA or malabsorption issues need injections of replacement cobalamin (primarily in the form of IM Hydroxocobalamin but in some instances high dose prescription cyanocobalamin tablets) for life.  Due to lack of awareness in the healthcare profession, there is often wrangling and dispute about the frequency of injections but that is a separate matter! Many people resort to sourcing their own B12 and self-injecting because their symptoms have not been taken seriously by their GP or because they need it more frequently than it is prescribed. Whilst this is good financially for the NHS, it significantly impacts on the true picture of how B12 deficiency is being treated (or not) in terms of medical records and research.   The prescription charge increase of course relates only to England. People with Vitamin B12 deficiency in Scotland, Wales and NI get their injections free if they are prescribed.  However we know there is a reluctance on the part of many GP practices throughout the UK, to prescribe IM injections or prescription oral supplementations, even where they are needed to ensure that the patient is not left with life long neurological damage. We are very concerned about the GP starting trial periods of trying to deal with symptoms by using oral B12 in the form of supplements from health stores purchased by the patient and the NICE guideline suggestion that a risk factor is needed alongside symptoms for diagnosis.   The health economic impact of this is that the cost of repeated blood tests and investigations, additional GP appointments and referrals to secondary care for continued symptoms is much higher than the cost of a B12 injection administered by a practice nurse or by the patient themselves! Surely authority for the willing patient to self administer the prescribed injection is way overdue. Come on UK! let's make sure Vitamin B12 deficiency is not a public health crisis, give patients back their quality of life, look into making hydroxocobalamin available over the counter, have GPs teach their patients to self administer the injections they need of this non toxic essential vitamin, conduct the necessary research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of B12 deficiency and improve healthcare profession education on nutrition and deficiencies (whether dietary or non-dietary)

💊🌟Exciting news in healthcare! 💊🌟 Patients in UK can now access treatment for seven common conditions without seeing a GP, thanks to a new pharmacy service. This not only benefits patients but also frees up to 10 million GP appointments annually. Pharmacies involved will receive a fixed payment of £2,000, £15 per consultation, and a monthly fixed payment of £1,000 for meeting consultation targets. This an initiative that recognizes and utilizes the expertise of pharmacists. Moreover, this scheme paves the way for the potential development of pharmaceutical care, showcasing how pharmacists, as medicines experts, can play a more integral role in patient wellness. Kudos to this collaborative effort for a more accessible and efficient healthcare system! #HealthcareInnovation #PharmaceuticalCare #PatientCare

The Challenge in Medication Adherence The cornerstone of TB treatment lies in medication adherence. The standard treatment regimen involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. However, maintaining consistent adherence to this regimen is often challenging for patients. Many individuals struggle to remember to take their medication on time, leading to missed doses. This lack of adherence can have serious consequences, including treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant TB strains. The MERM Box: Revolutionizing TB Treatment In response to the adherence challenges faced by TB patients, innovative solutions like the Medication Event Reminder Monitor (MERM) Box have emerged. The MERM Box is a sophisticated device designed to support TB patients in managing their medication schedules effectively. With its real-time tracking and visual reminder features, the MERM Box aims to address the need for consistent adherence to TB medication regimens. By providing timely reminders and tracking medication intake, the MERM Box empowers TB patients to take control of their treatment journey, reducing the likelihood of missed doses and treatment interruptions.

What diabetic medical treatment is covered by Medicare? Generally, Medicare Part B covers the services that may affect people who have diabetes. Part B also covers some preventive services for people who are at risk for diabetes. Part B covers services like the following: - Diabetes Screenings - Prevention Programs - Self-management training - Equipment and supplies - Foot Exams and Treatment - Glaucoma Tests Part D plans cover diabetes supplies used for injecting or inhaling insulin. Part D plans cover things like the following: - Anti-diabetic drugs for maintaining blood sugar - Certain medical supplies to administer insulin - Insulin that isn’t administered with an insulin pump If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage, your deductible, copay, or coinsurance may be different or less depending on the plan you have chosen. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional services related to diabetes. Please check your Medicare Advantage Summary of Benefits to see if your plan provides any supplemental benefits.

Medicare is Increasing GLP-1 Coverage. Wegovy, initially approved to treat type-2 diabetes, was recently approved to also treat cardiovascular disease. Here’s the breakdown: -Around 3.6 million members could qualify -Some plans are adding to 2024 coverage, wider adoption likely in 2025 -Potential Medicare cost estimated around $3 billion Read the full story ➡ https://lnkd.in/ghhZ_mjb #Pharmacy #Healthcare