Ardelyx, Inc.’s Post

Today is World Kidney Day! We are recognizing the day by highlighting our key objectives, including protecting patient coverage choice, securing appropriate payment for innovative products, ensuring adequate coverage under Medicare Advantage, and a delay of inclusion of oral-only drugs in the ESRD PPS bundle. Read more: #WorldKidneyDay #KidneyMonth #KidneyDisease #ESRD

JAMA recently published this comprehensive summary on the scope and challenges of de-prescribing medications for patients where benefits are limited and harms are likely. As one example - discontinuation of seizure medications after a substantial seizure-free interval for appropriate patients. Even the American Academy of Neurolgy endorsed parameters for discontinuing seizure medications, but the uptake of this guidance has been limited in practice…leading to “Prescribing Inertia”. At Upward Health, we have a meaningful opportunity to manage medications while in the patient’s home and engage them in an informed and safe decision around de-prescribing.

💊 Polypharmacy can be a double-edged sword in patient treatment. Learn the difference between appropriate and problematic polypharmacy, and how to ensure medication regimens are beneficial, not burdensome 💊   #HealthcareTips #MedicationSafety #clinicalpharmacy #primarycare #primarycarenetworks https://lnkd.in/eHsMw85Y

💊 Polypharmacy can be a double-edged sword in patient treatment. Learn the difference between appropriate and problematic polypharmacy, and how to ensure medication regimens are beneficial, not burdensome 💊   #HealthcareTips #MedicationSafety #clinicalpharmacy #primarycare #primarycarenetworks https://lnkd.in/ev5UiVvm

News from First Report Managed Care at AMCP 2024: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a prevalent condition with symptoms of infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool. Since limited data exists on how patients in the US manage CIC in their everyday lives, researchers presented a study aiming to explore patients' perspectives on the accessibility and costs of medications for CIC. Access the latest insights from AMCP 2024! #FirstReportManagedCare #FRMC #AMCP2024 #medicationcosts

Let’s incentivize the reimbursement system to support STRENGTHS: #preventivemedicine , #lifestylechanges , #sdoh Support and Preventing #adversechildhoodexperiences rather than Pathology: surgery, #polypharmacy

Life-saving medical technology in diabetes management As Congress Holds Hearings on Diabetes, AdvaMed Highlights Critical Role of Medtech in Diagnosis, Treatment Diabetes was front and center during a Senate HELP Committee hearing, prompting AdvaMed President and CEO Scott Whitaker to release the following statement on the ways life-saving medical technology is critical in diabetes management: “On behalf of the dozens of medical technology companies who work alongside providers, patients, and families to diagnose and treat diabetes, I want to commend the Committee for its continued interest in diabetes management and saving lives". Read the full article here - https://hubs.li/Q02dzBLL0 #diabetesmanagement #diabetes #MedTech #AdvaMed

In addition to clinical, behavioural, and genetic factors, socioeconomic factors play a critical role in determining patient outcomes. Medication adherence, for instance, is strongly linked to affordability. Ensuring access to affordable medicines is paramount in preventing recurring events like secondary myocardial infarction (MI). Extending insurance coverage to include medications that significantly contribute to secondary MI prevention benefits both patients and insurers/payors alike. By addressing these socio-economic factors, we can positively impact patient health and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. #Preventive cardiology #Secondary prevention#Cardiac rehabilitaion #Medication adherence#Full coverage#

As Corboy wisely notes, fear often looms large. This fear resonates not only within clinicians but also extends to caregivers, family members, patients, clients, and agencies. At SWEET, we tackle this pervasive fear through various avenues: 1. Every Sunday at 12pm, we host a weekly one-hour session on psychopharmacology. This session, rooted in the SWEET model, addresses the practical, ethical, and holistic use of psychopharmacological agents. Notably, it welcomes clinicians, both prescribers and non-prescribers. 2. We reiterate that medications are just one facet of mental health tools, not the exclusive or primary resort. 3. Our emphasis is on clinicians mastering evidence-based practices, proven to be non-inferior to medications and devoid of their associated side effects. 4. These tools are made readily accessible to all clinicians, reducing over-reliance on medications and facilitating the appropriate moments for deprescribing. 5. We underscore the healer's role for clinicians, where their presence, relationships with clients and family, and confidence form integral components among the array of tools for patient care. Gratitude to JAMA for shedding light on this crucial discourse. Expressing gratitude to SWEET Institute for providing this invaluable space and platform, enabling clinicians to grow, access what they need, and truly make a difference for their patients, clients, and agencies.

Yesterday, I shared insights into transitional care management for patients with end stage kidney disease on dialysis. The response was overwhelmingly positive, showing a keen interest in practical applications. Today, I'm delving deeper, offering a concrete example of how to implement a TCM program specifically for a nephrology provider in my local area in Virginia, leveraging the local Medicare Administrative Contractor locality 1130200. Some resources you'll need to replicate this in your area: 1) Identify your locality key based on where you are located or intend to launch a TCM program. 2) Access to the Physician fee schedule look-up tool to identify the reimbursement for HCPCS codes 99495 & 99496 based on your MAC locality. 3) The number of ESKD patients on dialysis your practice cares for. Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this post are my own.