Updated vaccines are on their way to US pharmacies; importance of early diagnosis and treatment for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease; Walgreens pharmacists stage their own protest.
Novavax Ships Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to US Pharmacies
The vaccine manufacturer Novavax has shipped millions of doses of its updated COVID-19 vaccine to US pharmacies following FDA authorization for emergency use in individuals aged 12 years and older, according to Reuters. While the vaccine was approved last week, some batches needed additional clearance before distribution. Novavax is counting on these commercial sales to bolster its financial stability, as manufacturing issues delayed its entry into the pandemic vaccine market enjoyed by mRNA vaccine rivals.
New Medical Condition Links Obesity, Diabetes, Heart, and Kidney Disease
The American Heart Association has officially recognized a new medical condition called Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM), signaling the strong connections between obesity, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease, according to NBC News. This syndrome affects multiple vital organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver, highlighting the interconnectedness of these health issues. Furthermore, promoting earlier diagnosis and treatment for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease emphasizes the need for interventions that target metabolic risk factors, such as abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
Walgreens Pharmacists Stage Nationwide Walkout Over Unsafe Working Conditions
Walgreens pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the United States have launched a nationwide walkout, protesting unsafe working conditions, excessive demands, and inadequate staffing, according to USA Today. The walkout, organized by anonymous pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, follows a similar protest by CVS pharmacists in late September. Participants in the protest argued that the company prioritizes profit over patient care, leading to medication errors and risks to patient safety. Walgreens acknowledged the challenges faced by its staff and has promised investments in pharmacist wages and hiring bonuses.
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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UK Study: Most Patients With MG Require Hospitalization, Driving Health Care Resource Use
April 27th 2024Over a median follow-up time of nearly 3 years, three-fourths (72.8%) of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) were hospitalized and half visited the accident and emergency department.
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Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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CMS' 340B Repayment Proposal May Harm Vulnerable Hospitals, Reward Those With Higher Revenues
April 26th 2024The 340B hospitals not receiving an offsetting lump-sum payment from CMS following 2018-2022 cuts later ruled unlawful are disproportionately rural, publicly owned, and nonacademic, according to a new study.
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Dr Kathy Zackowski Discusses the Importance of Rehabilitation Research and Trials in MS
April 26th 2024Kathy Zackowski, PhD, National MS Society, expresses the inherent value of quality rehabilitation trials for broadening clinical understandings of multiple sclerosis (MS) and bettering patient outcomes.
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