This month’s column invokes several previous columns, one about medications and the other about knowing if we know what we don’t know. A recent medical journal article concluded that falls in...
Battle over Alzheimer’s drug coverage is hardly a no-brainer
By
John O'Connor
Feb 26, 2023
Well, it looks like we have a good old fashioned war of words developing over Alzheimer’s drug coverage. It’s a battle well worth watching.
Risky business: Over time, certain heartburn drugs may pose a serious health risk to seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 05, 2019
A new study ties long-term use of certain heartburn drugs to fatal illnesses. And seniors may be especially at risk, according to researchers.
Antipsychotics in skilled care: Finding the right dose won’t be easy
By
John O'Connor
Aug 21, 2017
It happens all the time in politics: After dissatisfied voters throw the rascals out, new rascals push back way too hard. Could the same thing happen to the use of antipsychotics in skilled care?
Discontinuing statins extends and improves life for terminally ill, study suggests
By
John Hall
Jun 03, 2014
Discontinuing cholesterol-busting drugs called statins would save money and potentially extend the lives of terminally ill patients, new research from Duke University School of Medicine suggests.
New health law cutting drug costs?
By
McKnight's Staff
Aug 01, 2012
Senior citizens have saved $4 billion on prescription drugs since the Affordable Care Act was implemented, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In the first half of this year alone,...
Medicare might have made duplicate payments for medications used by hospice beneficiaries, OIG report...
By
McKnight's Staff
Jul 05, 2012
Medicare appears to have paid pharmacies twice for medications taken by hospice beneficiaries, a government report found.
Try it: ‘I don’t know’
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jun 21, 2011
Let’s face it: Often there isn’t any solid evidence as to why a resident is on a medication. Many times, they came from the previous location on a bucket load of medications and they stay on...
Part D drug consolidation could save Medicare $150 million, CMS finds
Oct 20, 2010
Consolidating drugs covered by Medicare Part B and Part D under Part D could save Medicare nearly $150 million, according to a new report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Blood pressure meds promote muscle growth in frail elderly, study says
Aug 24, 2010
Seniors fighting muscle weakness could be helped by widely available blood pressure medications, according to new research.