The Food and Drug Administration will temporarily allow the continued production, marketing and distribution of one particular type of opioid, which is widely used to alleviate pain in terminally ill patients.
‘Never event’ Medicare reimbursement rules now in effect
Oct 02, 2008
As of this month, Medicare no longer is reimbursing healthcare facilities for “reasonably preventable” medical errors. Also, hospitals are not allowed to charge patients directly for medical...
Lawmakers look to eliminate Medicare Part D gap earlier than planned
Oct 28, 2009
Lawmakers are stepping up efforts to close the Medicare Part D doughnut hole, a coverage gap in the prescription drug program for seniors. Political pressure may be driving them to change their timetable.
Blood-pressure drugs good for brain, study finds
Jul 30, 2008
The use of blood-pressure drugs is linked to a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and a reduced likelihood of entering a nursing home, Boston University School of Medicine researchers found.
Cardin amendment would work to expand assisted living residents’ access to prescription drugs
Dec 10, 2009
Assisted living providers and advocates are cheering this week after Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced an amendment to the healthcare reform bill that seeks to improve some assisted living residents’...
Swallowing a ‘Bitter Pill’
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 11, 2013
The best med aides I’ve ever seen have an almost spooky knack for getting nursing home residents to take their medicine. It’s an art form, really. A mystical mix of command, humor and good,...
Using two hypertension meds may help cut risk of death
Oct 06, 2008
On many occasions, it is said that two is better than one. That appears to be the case when it comes to reducing death from high blood pressure among the elderly.
Report: Part D bills would pinch providers
Mar 28, 2008
Legislation that requires Medicare Part D plans to pay pharmacists within 14 days could take money away from nursing homes and Medicare Advantage plans, according to the Pharmaceutical Care Management...
Nursing home theme of the summer: medication
By
Tim Mullaney
Jun 18, 2013
The first day of summer is not quite upon us, but it seems the season’s blockbuster movie and hit song may already have been decided. And when it comes to long-term news, I’m ready to declare...
Commonly used drugs can quicken cognitive decline in elderly, reports say
May 07, 2008
Anticholinergics – a group of drugs commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, urinary incontinence and acid reflux – may cause a more rapid decline in cognitive...