top of page
Search

Phone Calls Reduce Hospitalizations

Scripta


April 11, 2014 – Purdue University study suggests that telephonic medication therapy management (MTM) can benefit lower risk Medicare patients following a hospitalization.


A new study revealed that low-risk Medicare patients entering home healthcare and receiving telephonic MTM were three times less likely to be hospitalized within the first two months. The study focused on elderly patients requiring home healthcare, who are often dealing with multiple chronic conditions and taking multiple medications.


The study was designed by a team of Purdue University researchers in collaboration with Amedisys, Inc., a home healthcare organization, and pharmacists from Curant Health. The study’s leader, Alan J. Zillich, PharmD, told Formulary Watch, “Clinical services regarding medication management provided by phramacists during the transition of care to home health can reduce hospitalization.”


According to Zillich, the most common types of medication-related errors are identified soon after transitions of care take place, and during these first few days it is important to verify active medications, review medication regimens, and resolve any problems that arise. Intervention therefore consisted of an initial phone call by a pharmacy technician, followed seven days later by a call from a pharmacist.


Interestingly, those at greater risk saw no benefit from the intervention, and the most dramatic results were seen in the lowest-risk group, as identified during in-home nursing assessments. Mr. Zillich theorized that those patients were perhaps better able to receive and retain guidance from a pharmacist over the phone and that face-to-face MTM would better help the higher-risk patients.

 

Read the full article here:

Comments


Scripta_Logo_NavigationTag_White.png

40 Grove St, Suite 270
Wellesley, MA 02482

info@scriptainsights.com

  • LinkedIn - White Circle
  • YouTube - White Circle

MEMBER SUPPORT:

DOWNLOAD THE FREE SCRIPTA  MEMBER APP

google-play-badge_English_edited.png

© Copyright Scripta Insights, Inc. 

Scripta™ is neither a pharmacy nor a doctor. The benefit service does not tell you what drug to take and does not participate in the drug selection process. Only your physician can determine the medications that are right for you. These alternative medications are options for less costly drugs that physicians may prescribe in place of the medications you are taking now. Scripta has reviewed your current medications only for the purpose of identifying potential cost savings for you to consider with your physician. Scripta has not analyzed the effectiveness or other therapeutic aspects of these medication alternatives. Accordingly, this report and any other forms of communication received from Scripta are not, nor should they be interpreted as, any form of treatment, drug regimen review, or provision of counseling or consultation by a prescriber, pharmacist or pharmacy. Do not stop taking your medication, change your medication, or start taking a new medication without being directed to do so by your physician and filling the prescription under the oversight of a licensed pharmacist. The alternatives set forth above may not be equivalent to your current medication, may interact adversely with your other medications, may not be indicated in light of your other conditions, may cause different or severe side effects, or may be less effective at treating your condition. Medication prices are approximate based on information provided by your pharmacy benefits manager, insurance plans, and/or employer, and may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Check with your insurance plan to obtain a full list of pharmacies where your prescriptions can be filled. All information herein is HIPAA protected, treated as highly confidential, and never shared with your employer.

Scripta™, Scripta Insights™ and The Best Meds at the Best Price® are registered trademarks of Scripta Insights, Inc. The contents of the site are for informational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not recommend or endorse any specific prescription drug or pharmacy that may be mentioned herein. Reliance on any information provided by us, our affiliates, employees or others is solely at your own risk.

bottom of page