Content about Medical terms

February 19, 2013
Pharmacists and the battle to boost adherence

Two-hundred-ninety billion dollars. That’s the number often thrown around when health experts talk about what medication nonadherence costs patients, insurers, health plan payers and the U.S. economy every year. And of course, dollar estimates say nothing about the impact that nonadherence has on patients and their families in higher chronic and acute disease rates, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans.

So the failure by patients to take their meds as prescribed is a big deal. And it’s gotten a lot of attention from payers in the last couple of years because it’s one of the most obvious levers to pull as public and private health plan sponsors struggle to get a grip on the astronomical and still-expanding cost of health care in the United States.

Two-hundred-ninety billion dollars. That’s the number often thrown around when health experts talk about what medication nonadherence costs patients, insurers, health plan payers and the U.S. economy every year. And of course, dollar estimates say nothing about the impact that nonadherence has on patients and their families in higher chronic and acute disease rates, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans.

February 7, 2013
CVS Caremark announces expansion of Pharmacy Advisor program

CVS Caremark has announced the extension of its Pharmacy Advisor program to cover an additional five chronic conditions, including asthma, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and osteoporosis.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the extension of its Pharmacy Advisor program to cover an additional five chronic conditions, including asthma, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and osteoporosis.

February 7, 2013
Kerr Drug expands central fill model

Kerr Drug will use its partnership with PDX and ScriptPro to increase pharmacy productivity by expanding its central fill model, the regional pharmacy chain said.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug will use its partnership with PDX and ScriptPro to increase pharmacy productivity by expanding its central fill model, the regional pharmacy chain said Thursday.

Kerr announced the opening of its central fill operation in Raleigh, N.C.

"It's not just about labor savings, inventory reductions and other efficiencies," Kerr CEO Tony Civello said. "These kinds of innovations and use of technologies are critical to remaining a player in the emerging healthcare ecosystem."

February 5, 2013
CueScript launches patient engagement, medication adherence tool for pharmacy

CueScript on Tuesday launched an innovative platform that delivers on-demand prescription-specific videos and other value-added services designed to engage patients, improve health literacy and improve medication adherence.

LAKE MARY, Fla. — CueScript on Tuesday launched an innovative platform that delivers on-demand prescription-specific videos and other value-added services designed to engage patients, improve health literacy and improve medication adherence. 

February 4, 2013
Rexam, Rx Timer Cap partner to promote medication adherence

Prescription vial manufacturer Rexam has a deal with Rx Timer Cap to adapt the cap to its vials, Rexam said.

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Prescription vial manufacturer Rexam has a deal with Rx Timer Cap to adapt the cap to its vials, Rexam said.

Rexam said the partnership would help improve medication adherence. The Rx Timer Cap has a built-in LCD timer that automatically counts the minutes and hours since patients last took their medication.

February 1, 2013
Pharmacists can improve health outcomes

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and nearby healthcare institutions shows that patients with diabetes experience better outcomes when they undergo face-to-face medication therapy management sessions with pharmacists.

Drug Store News has reported enough about the benefits of MTM to fill a book, but a scientific study showing a demonstrable benefit to it only makes the case stronger. It speaks to the growing role of the pharmacist as a key member of the patient's healthcare team, every bit as important as nurses and doctors, and also points to a role of growing importance to pharmacy retailers themselves as they seek to distinguish themselves in the marketplace.

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and nearby healthcare institutions shows that patients with diabetes experience better outcomes when they undergo face-to-face medication therapy management sessions with pharmacists.

January 30, 2013
Second Medication Adherence Team Challenge launched

A group of organizations has launched a nationwide competitive outreach project to enlist students studying to become healthcare professionals to find new ways to raise awareness about medication adherence as a public health issue.

WASHINGTON — A group of organizations has launched a nationwide competitive outreach project to enlist students studying to become healthcare professionals to find new ways to raise awareness about medication adherence as a public health issue.

January 30, 2013
Study: Thrifty White's Medication Synchronization Program improves Rx adherence

Regional player Thrifty White Pharmacy, which operates 90 pharmacies in the upper Midwest, is working to enroll patients in its Medication Synchronization Program as a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that those patients taking their medications correctly with the program are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations, thus reducing overall healthcare spending.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Regional player Thrifty White Pharmacy, which operates 90 pharmacies in the upper Midwest, is working to enroll patients in its Medication Synchronization Program as a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that those patients taking their medications correctly with the program are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations, thus reducing overall healthcare spending.

January 28, 2013
Pharmacy trends and outlook for 2013

Health care is evolving. As obvious of a statement as that is, it doesn’t change the fact that it is very real. Throughout last year, there was intense discussion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and what impact the outcome of the presidential election might have on its future. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled and elections are settled, healthcare companies and providers across the country are implementing strategies to meet ACA requirements.

Health care is evolving. As obvious of a statement as that is, it doesn’t change the fact that it is very real. Throughout last year, there was intense discussion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and what impact the outcome of the presidential election might have on its future. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled and elections are settled, healthcare companies and providers across the country are implementing strategies to meet ACA requirements.

January 25, 2013
Ohio Northern University pharmacy students sponsor medication adherence events

Students at an Ohio pharmacy school are taking part in a nationwide effort to boost medication adherence.

ADA, Ohio — Students at an Ohio pharmacy school are taking part in a nationwide effort to boost medication adherence.

Ohio Northern University announced that the school's chapter of the American Pharmacists Association — Academy of Student Pharmacists — had scheduled several events as part of the Medication Adherence Challenge, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

January 21, 2013
Zipnosis now offering online diagnosis, treatment in 11 states

Zipnosis, which provides patient access to mainstream medicine via online diagnosis and the treatment of common health needs, has announced that its services are now available in 11 states across the country.

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn. — Zipnosis, which provides patient access to mainstream medicine via online diagnosis and the treatment of common health needs, has announced that its services are now available in 11 states across the country.

Patients who live in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin can now visit Zipnosis.com and receive a diagnosis and treatment from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

January 15, 2013
Supernus appoints Victor Vaughn as SVP sales

A maker of drugs for epilepsy has appointed a new executive.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — A maker of drugs for epilepsy has appointed a new executive.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of Victor Vaughn as SVP sales, a position in which he will be responsible for leading all the company's sales activities.

January 10, 2013
Chronic disease patients want online services from drug companies, study finds

Demand among consumers for online services from drug companies to help manage chronic conditions is strong, according to a new study from healthcare market research firm Manhattan Research.

NEW YORK — Demand among consumers for online services from drug companies to help manage chronic conditions is strong, according to a new study from healthcare market research firm Manhattan Research.

January 8, 2013
Mobile app increased medication adherence to 81%, developer says

The makers of a new app say that it increased users' medication adherence rate to more than 80%.

HAIFA, Israel — The makers of a new app say that it increased users' medication adherence rate to more than 80%.

The MediSafe Project said Tuesday that users reported medication adherence rates of 81%, while the rate was 84.25% for patients using statins.

January 3, 2013
CVS Caremark-sponsored research examines impact of social support network on Rx adherence

A patient’s social support network has been associated with improved outcomes and healthier behaviors and now new research sponsored by CVS Caremark has found that practical social support is associated with improved medication adherence.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A patient’s social support network has been associated with improved outcomes and healthier behaviors and now new research sponsored by CVS Caremark has found that practical social support is associated with improved medication adherence.

December 11, 2012
Electronic prescribing comes full circle with automated refill authorizations

E-prescribing offers many well-known benefits to physicians, pharmacists and patients alike. Beyond the well-known patient benefits, real-time transactions with automated requests and responses promise to create efficiencies by speeding the medication ordering process, reducing or eliminating the back-and-forth communications between pharmacists and clinicians commonly associated with handwritten prescriptions.

E-prescribing offers many well-known benefits to physicians, pharmacists and patients alike. Beyond the well-known patient benefits, real-time transactions with automated requests and responses promise to create efficiencies by speeding the medication ordering process, reducing or eliminating the back-and-forth communications between pharmacists and clinicians commonly associated with handwritten prescriptions.

November 30, 2012
More than 4-out-of-10 consumers turn to OTCs as a first line of defense

For the most common conditions suffered by consumers or someone in their household, OTCs served as the first line of defense for more than 40% of consumers across the board, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers that was conducted in September.

For the 77% of AccentHealth viewers who had experienced heartburn in the past year, 46% used an OTC treatment for relief. For top five symptoms/conditions experienced by viewers in the past year — including cold, cough/sore throat, headache, sinus/nasal congestion and runny nose — 43% of consumers used OTCs to address those conditions before other treatment options.

For the most common conditions suffered by consumers or someone in their household, OTCs served as the first line of defense for more than 40% of consumers across the board, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers that was conducted in September.

November 30, 2012
The next blockbuster? It's called just taking drugs as prescribed

A new report shows that drug makers lose nearly $200 billion per year from medication nonadherence, illustrating that it's not just the healthcare system overall that loses when people don't take their medications properly.

This just goes to show the important role that pharmacy retailers have in helping to promote medication adherence by having pharmacists play an active role in patients' health care through services like medication therapy management.

A new report shows that drug makers lose nearly $200 billion per year from medication nonadherence, illustrating that it's not just the healthcare system overall that loses when people don't take their medications properly.

November 29, 2012
NCPA releases progress report on medication adherence initiative

The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday released Moving Forward on a Solid Foundation: Year One Progress Report, which examines the success of the association's strategic initiative Pharmacists Advancing Medication Adherence.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday released Moving Forward on a Solid Foundation: Year One Progress Report, which examines the success of the association's strategic initiative Pharmacists Advancing Medication Adherence. 

November 28, 2012
Physicians Interactive and McKesson collaborate on electronic voucher program delivered to clinicians

Physicians Interactive and McKesson Patient Relationship Solutions on Tuesday announced a joint collaboration to deliver eCoupon, one of the industry’s first automated pharmaceutical voucher and coupon distribution solution for clinicians who use electronic health records and ePrescribing software.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Physicians Interactive and McKesson Patient Relationship Solutions on Tuesday announced a joint collaboration to deliver eCoupon, one of the industry’s first automated pharmaceutical voucher and coupon distribution solution for clinicians who use electronic health records and ePrescribing software.  

November 27, 2012
Microsoft, NextGen team up on medication-record application

A division of Quality Systems has teamed up with Microsoft to develop and launch what it called the first joint consumer-based mobile healthcare information technology application for the Windows 8 platform.

HORSHAM, Pa. — A division of Quality Systems has teamed up with Microsoft to develop and launch what it called the first joint consumer-based mobile healthcare information technology application for the Windows 8 platform.

November 27, 2012
Phone, mail reminders improve statin adherence, study finds

Automated phone and mail reminders increase the likelihood that patients with new prescriptions for cholesterol-lowering drugs will pick them up from the pharmacy, according to a new study.

PASADENA, Calif. — Automated phone and mail reminders increase the likelihood that patients with new prescriptions for cholesterol-lowering drugs will pick them up from the pharmacy, according to a new study.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California enrolled 5,216 patients and found that those receiving an automated reminder were 1.6 times more likely to fill prescriptions for statin drugs than those who didn't receive reminders. The study was published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine Monday.

November 26, 2012
Medication nonadherence costs drug makers $188 billion per year in U.S., report finds

When it comes to medication nonadherence, the most oftcited statistic illustrating its effect on the healthcare system is the New England Healthcare Institute's estimate that it costs the healthcare system $290 billion per year. But a new report shows how much drug makers lose as well.

NORWALK, Conn. — When it comes to medication non-adherence, the most oft-cited statistic illustrating its effect on the healthcare system is the New England Healthcare Institute's estimate that it costs the healthcare system $290 billion per year. But a new report shows how much drug makers lose as well.

November 21, 2012
It's the most magical time of the year - looking forward to pharmacy 2013

Each year, we say goodbye to the current year and welcome in the New Year full of hope and aspirations for a successful year ahead. Customers turn out in droves for “New Year, New You” specials and when they reach the register, the retail pharmacy world knows the scenario quite well.

Each year, we say good-bye to the current year and welcome in the New Year full of hope and aspirations for a successful year ahead. Customers turn out in droves for “New Year, New You” specials and when they reach the register, the retail pharmacy world knows the scenario quite well. In a few short weeks’ time, you and your staff will be asking these all too familiar questions, “Did you have any insurance changes? Did you have a change in benefits?  Did you know your brand drug is now available in generic?” and so on.

November 19, 2012
Shire launches rare-disease research project

Drug maker Shire has started a research program focused on rare diseases and their effects on patients and healthcare professionals, the company said Monday.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — Drug maker Shire has started a research program focused on rare diseases and their effects on patients and healthcare professionals, the company said Monday.

Shire announced the launch of the Shire Rare Disease Impact Report, which includes surveys of patients, caregivers, physicians, payers and others in the United States and United Kingdom, with results expected in the first half of 2013.