Urgent Medical Device Recall: Triad Group Recalls Sterile Lubricating Jelly

Professional Medical, Inc. recently received notice from the Triad Group regarding an URGENT MEDICAL DEVICE RECALL. The product being recalled is STERILE LUBRICATING JELLY manufactured by the Triad Group and distributed by a number of companies, including Professional Medical.

This recall has been initiated due to concerns expressed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the validation of the gamma radiation sterilization cycles for the Sterile Lubricating Jelly. The use of inadequately sterilized product might result in patient infection.

This recall extends to all lots of Sterile Lubricating Jelly remaining within their labeled expiration dating (three years), including all lot numbers beginning with the digits 7, 8 and 9 and 0. These product lots began shipping in January of 2007.

Please examine all storage rooms, med rooms, med carts and treatment carts and inform nurses to be aware of all insertion kits that might contain lubricating jelly.

Affected items might be listed under the following three item numbers from ProMed:
• 500-LJ04
• 500-LJ144-3GM
• 500-LJ12-04FT

Whether you have the product subject to recall in your possession or not, please take the following steps:
1. Quarantine the affected product, if applicable
2. Email Pam West, VP of Clinical and Regulatory Compliance, at pwest@promedsupply.com for a Product Recall Acknowledgement Form.

If product is needed immediately, a replacement product (065-20545) is available from another manufacturer. Please note there is a difference in price.

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you and your staff. Please be assured that we are here to help. If you have any questions, please contact the Customer Relations Department at 800-648-5190.

A Potential Link Between Acid Suppressive Medications and Pneumonia

A new review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has potentially linked taking acid suppressive medications with an increased risk of developing hospital-acquired pneumonia. According to the study, out of every 200 inpatients being treated with acid suppressive medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine2 receptor antagonists, one will develop pneumonia.

Acid suppressive medications are the second leading medication worldwide. Between 40 and 70 percent of hospitalized patients receive these drugs, suggesting that there could be a link between the medications and hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Abbott Recalls Blood Glucose Test Strips

Abbott Diabetes Care has announced that they are recalling approximately 359 million blood glucose strips in the U.S. and Puerto Rico because they could give falsely low blood glucose results. These inaccurate readings could lead users to try and raise their blood glucose when it is unnecessary and fail to treat elevated blood glucose due to a falsely low reading.

According to a press release from Abbott, the problem is being caused by longer-than-expected blood fill times. Customers who are using the affected strips should discontinue use of the product. The affected brands are Precision Xtra, Precision Xceed Pro, MediSense Optium, Optium, OptiumEZ and ReliOn Ultima.

Customers are advised to contact their healthcare providers to determine testing options if they do not have any unaffected test strips to use. To view affected lot numbers and instructions for receiving new strips, please click here.

Barnes Foundation Makes Holiday Donations to to Local Charities

Thanks to the generosity of ProMed employees throughout the year, the Barnes Foundation, established by ProMed's president and founder, Terry Barnes, will be making donations to two local charities this holiday season.

Each  month, ProMed employees have the option of donating $5 to the Barnes Foundation in order to wear jeans to work on Fridays. This year, "Jean Fridays" raised a total of $3,000.

The funds will be donated to the George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club in Joliet, Illinois, who will put the donation toward their Toys for Toys program, and the The Children's Enrichment Foundation, a charitable foundation managed by Children's Habilitation Center in Harvey, Illinois.

"It is so rewarding to know that when we collect together, we can make a real difference at such a wonderful time of year," said Barnes Foundation President Amy Gollan.

To learn more about the Barnes Foundation, please visit www.barnes-foundation.org.

CMS Wins Praise for Delaying Lab Requirement

AHCA is applauding CMS for delaying the implementation of a new requirement that physicians sign clinical lab service requisitions. The agency has pushed back the implementation from January 1, 2011 to the end of the first quarter of 2011.

In a press release, AHCA President and CEO Bruce Yarwood said that "the long term care community, along with our partners in the Clinical Laboratory Coalition, has been fighting this issue vehemently because it placed more emphasis on paperwork than on critical patient care."

To learn more, click here.

Study: Many Seniors Stop Taking Antidepressants Because of Side Effects

More than half of seniors who are first-time antidepressant takers begin taking the drugs while they are on other contraindicated drugs, leading to side effects that cause a quarter of them to stop taking the antidepressants, according to a new study published in The American Journal of General Psychiatry.

The study's authors analyzed information from Medicare claims to determine that 39,000 seniors started taking antidepressants between 2001 and 2006. Of those, 25% were taking other drugs that could have caused major drug interactions and 36% were taking other drugs that could cause moderate interactions.

To learn more, click here.

Report: Nursing Homes Overuse Risky Drugs

A new report from Consumer Reports found that oftentimes nursing homes' use of antipsychotics to treat aggression, agitation or hallucinations in residents with dementia is unwarranted. The report also noted that the risks posed by antipsychotics, such as diabetes, weight gain, movement disorders (sometimes permanent), pneumonia, sudden cardiac arrest and stroke, frequently outweigh the potential benefits of their use.

Experts who contributed to the report suggested trying behavior interventions before considering the use of medication - for example, music therapy, massage therapy, distraction techniques and allowing residents to make frequent calls to friends and family.

The report is part of a Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs ongoing investigation into medication that is prescribed "off-label." There are no FDA-approved drugs to treat dementia or Alzheimer's disease, but doctors can legally prescribe any drug for reasons they deem appropriate.

To learn more, click here.

Congress Passes Bill to Create National Alzheimer's Project

This week, Congress voted unanimously to create a National Alzheimer's Project within the Department of Health and Human Services, the goal of which is "to accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer's" and "improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and coordination of the care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's."

Part of the project is the creation of an advisory council of representatives from agencies such as the CDC, NIH, FDA and Department of Veterans Affairs. The council will draft a yearly report on federally funded programs that involve research, treatment, nursing homes and home care. The report will include recommendations on whether to expand or eliminate any of the programs.

To learn more, click here.

Study: More Dementia Residents Using Hospice

A new study found has found that dementia residents are using hospice care benefits more and more. It also showed that 40 percent of residents have some degree of dementia when they die.

The study, published in the December issue of the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, is the first to estimate the percentage of people in nursing homes who have mild to moderately severe or advanced dementia when they pass away. The study authors, while pleased to see that more and more residents were using hospice, and using it for longer periods of time, also cautioned that their findings could be used by policymakers as a reason to cut costs.

The study's lead researcher also noted that while people die of dementia, many times family members and caregivers don't recognize it as a terminal illness.

To learn more, click here.

Rolaids Announces Recall

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the manufacturer of Rolaids, has announced a voluntary recall of all lots of Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Rolaids Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom plus Anti-Gas Softchews distributed in the US.

The recall follows consumer reports of foreign materials in the products, including metal and wood particles. After an investigation, McNeil determined that the materials were potentially introduced into the products during the manufacturing process. The company will not restart production until the problem has been corrected.

Consumes who purchased any of the products should click here for information about contacting McNeil and receiving a refund.

FDA Plans to Pull Plug on Darvon, Darvocet

On November 19, the FDA announced that it plans to withdraw propoxyphene - perhaps most commonly known as Darvon and Darvocet - from the US market because new findings indicate that it could cause serious toxicity to the heart, even when taken in therapeutic doses.

Propoxyphene is an opioid pain reliever used to treat mild to moderate pain. It's sold under a number of names as a single-ingredient product (such as Darvon) as well as in combination with acetaminophen (such as Darvocet).

A new study shows that even therapeutic levels of propoxyphene can cause significant changes to the electrical activity of the heart. This can put users at risk for serious abnormal heart rhythms, even if they have taken propoxyphene for many years. Users are at a higher risk if they have a change in their disease state, take other medications or have a decrease in kidney function.

To learn more, click here.

Rod Roberts Nominated to Head Iowa Dept. of Inspections

Rod Roberts, an Iowa state legislator and former Republican gubernatorial candidate, has been nominated by Iowa governor-elect Terry Branstad to head Iowa's Department of Inspections - despite critics' allegations that he has conflicts of interest.

Roberts has sat on the board of the New Hope Village care center and its charitable foundation in Carroll, Iowa. His wife, Patricia, reportedly worked at St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home in Carroll for about 17 years. Patricia now works as the director of development for a foundation that supports St. Anthony and works for a lobbying organization in support of Iowa hospitals.

A spokesman for Branstad said he is confident that there are no conflicts of interest between Roberts and his involvement in the nursing home industry.

To learn more, click here.

Report: EMRs Still Lacking

Despite a $27 billion grant from the stimulus bill to build more efficient electronic medical record systems, roughly 80 percent of doctors are still lacking even the most basic access to such records.

This finding was part of a report titled "Realizing the Full Potential of Health Information Technology to Improve Healthcare for Americans: The Path Forward," which was released by The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) on Wednesday. The group is calling on the Obama administration to develop a set of metrics within a year to measure progress toward to an operational, universal and national health IT infrastructure.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Dolores Martinez!

Team ProMed congratulates Dolores Martinez on being named the December 2010 Employee Spotlight Award winner! Dolores is a Medicare Assistant and has been with ProMed for three years.

“Dolores is a fantastic employee who really cares about her job responsibilities and the customers she interacts with in our Med B department,” said Director of Medicare Billing Brett Bennett. “She is a meticulous biller and can always be relied upon to go ‘above and beyond’ to complete all tasks. ProMed is lucky to have her!”

When we asked Dolores why she enjoys being a member of Team ProMed, she said, “My favorite part of working for ProMed is really the department I work with, my coworkers. Also, I am learning something new all the time.” She also noted that the regular office luncheons and contests make working for ProMed both a pleasure and interesting.

As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Dolores will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy at her desk for the month of December. She was also given a $100 cash award.

Congratulations, Dolores!

Sunny Hill Goes High-Tech

Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, a recipient of a 2009 Innovation Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, has seized the opportunity to turn its facility into a more high-tech living space.

The $37,000 grant enabled Sunny Hill to install wi-fi throughout the building and add a 24-hour in-house TV channel that features menus, birthdays, staff and resident anniversaries and specially chosen videos.

The new wi-fi setup has received rave reviews from both residents and staff members. More and more residents are bringing computers with them when they move in, and the wi-fi allows them to easily send emails or browse the Web from their rooms. Staff members can also easily look up information on their smartphones during their rounds.

To learn more, click here.

"Fishy" Findings on Macular Degeneration

Looking to fight age-related macular degeneration? Ask someone to pass the oysters!

A new study found that seniors who ate at least one serving a week of fish or shellfish high in omega-3 fatty acids - such as salmon, tuna, crab and oysters - were able to reduce their risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration by 60 percent.

Age-related macular degeneration, which is chronic and irreversible, affects the part of the eye that is responsible for seeing fine detail. It is a leading cause of vision loss for people 60 years and older.

To learn more, click here.

Retirees Moving Back to College

One of our favorite blogs, The New Old Age, posted a great entry today. It talks about the growing number of college campus retirement communities that have sprung up around the country.

These communities, located near such big-name universities as Duke, Penn State and George Mason University, offer residents an active, intellectually stimulating and generational experience - the same sort of things residents were probably looking for in a college when they were teens. The educational opportunities at many of the namesake colleges are also play a big part in attractiving residents.

To read the entry, click here.

FDA Issues New Finger-Stick Device Guidance

Citing a rise in blood-borne infections in long-term care, the FDA has issued new guidance calling for restricted use and better labeling procedures for fingerstick devices.

The new guidance recommends that all fingerstick devices be labeled for use on just a single resident. Previously, some devices were cleared to for use on multiple residents. The FDA also wants manufacturers to include the following on their product labeling:

• Notification that reusable portions of a device are for single resident use only
• Instructions that such devices should not be used for assisted blood draws in LTC settings or reused by anyone else, including family members
• Instructions for cleaning and disinfecting reusable portions of devices after each use

To learn more, click here.

Today is World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day! Every year, on December 1, the CDC and its partners pay tribute to the millions of people living with AIDS in the United States and around the world.

The elderly are often overlooked in discussions about AIDS. According to the CDC, there were more than 16,000 people over the age of 65 living with AIDS as of 2007. That number will continue to climb as baby boomers age. Even if they're not afflicted with AIDS, many elderly people are affected by the disease in other ways, including the illness or death of loved ones or community members.

To learn more about World AIDS Day, click here.

Senate Extends "Doc Fix" for One Month

On the eve of Thanksgiving, the U.S. House of Representatives followed the Senate's lead and voted to extend current Medicare physician reimbursement rates through the end of the year. The "doc fix" legislation was then sent to President Obama, who is expected to sign the bill.

By extending the current reimbursement rate, the House temporarily halted what would have been a 23 percent cut in Medicare physician payments.

To learn more, click here.

Ohio Allows Healthcare Reform Suit to Go to Trial

An Ohio federal judge has allowed a lawsuit challenging the insurance mandate of the new healthcare law to proceed to trial. His decision follows a similar ruling by a federal judge in Florida.

The suit alleges that the mandate violates the Commerce Clause in the Constitution.

To learn more, click here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

ProMed will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 in honor of Thanksgiving. Orders placed by noon on Friday, November 19 will be delivered by Wednesday, November 24. Orders placed after noon on November 19 will be delivered the week of November 29.

From our team to yours, we wish you a joyous Thanksgiving!

Poor-Performing NHs in Four States to Benefit from Pilot Program Funding

A pilot program operated by Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes is set to benefit troubled nursing homes in four states.

The voluntary program is offered to nursing homes that have dealt with quality and citations from regulatory agencies. The facilities must also be in urban areas with a high minority population on Medicaid and with serious health problems. The four states involved in the program are Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Georgia.

To learn more, click here.

Senate Postpones Slashing Medicare Doc Pay

Medicare physicians have just received an early Christmas gift - the Senate voted last Thursday to postpone a 23 percent in their pay until December 31. It is expected that the House will vote on the measure after Thanksgiving recess.

The cut was scheduled to go into effect on December 1. If the House votes to delay it, the one-month extension will be paid for by changes in Medicare reimbursement for outpatient therapy services.

To learn more, click here.

Chicago Tribune Article: Latinos Have Unique Alzheimer's Challenges

An article in the Chicago Tribune is shedding light on the unique challenges that Latinos face when given an Alzheimer's disease diagnose.

As a whole, Latinos have an above-average risk of developing Alzheimer's disease because of limited access to medical services and health insurance, low levels of education and income and higher rates of blood pressure and diabetes. There are also cultural stigmas attached to Alzheimer's in the Latino community. For example, some Mexicans from rural areas believe that the disease is punishment for sins committed during a person's youth.

The situation is "a looming but unrecognized public health crisis," according to the Alzheimer's Association. It is predicted that by 2050, Alzheimer's and related dementias could affect 1.3 million older Latinos. The current tally is about 200,000.

To learn more, click here.

CMS Targets Pharmaceutical Waste

A new proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to limit pharmaceutical waste and support independent pharmacies.

The proposed rule, which has garnered support from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), would require pharmacies to supply brand-name drugs in seven-day cycles in long-term care facilities instead of the current 30-day cycle.

In a letter to CMS, the NCPA wrote "This new policy is an opportunity to utilize community pharmacists to produce real savings for Medicare, beneficiaries and Part D plan sponsors and allow pharmacists to be recognized for the value of those services to patients and the overall system."

To learn more, click here.

Sunny Hill Parodies Hollywood, Claims Victory

Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County - a ProMed customer! - recently triumphed in a contest sponsored by the Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Association. The contest challenged facilities to submit videos showing how they treat their residents like stars.

Sunny Hill decided to have some fun with the contest and submitted a montage of their residents parodying famous movies such as Easy Rider, The Great Escape and Two Tickets to Paradise.

The video can be seen on Sunny Hill's Facebook page. Congratulations to Sunny Hill and its residents!

CMS Launches innovations.cms.gov

CMS has announced the creation of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (commonly referred to as the Innovation Center) and launched a new site - innovations.cms.gov - to outline the center's goals. According to CMS, the Innovation Center will "rigorously and rapidly assess the progress of its programs and work with caregivers, insurers and employers to replicate successful innovations in communities across the country."

Initially, the Innovation Center will focus on three key areas:

1. Better Care for People
2. Coordinating Care to Improve Health Outcomes for Patients
3. Community Care Models

CMS plans to use innovations.cms.gov as a platform for collaboration and information sharing. The agency plans to greatly expand upon the resources that are already available on the site and is encouraging interested citizens to follow the Innovation Center's blog or subscribe to receive email updates.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Mike Caputo!

Congratulations to Mike Caputo, who just got engaged to his girlfriend, Lauren! Mike does IT Desktop Support for ProMed.

Invasion of the (Granny) Pod People

Do you want to keep an elderly loved one close, but not too close? Then a "granny pod" might be just what you're looking for. The MedCottage, or "granny pod," is a small modular home that easily fits in a backyard and can be hooked up to the homeowner's utilities.

The 12' x 24' cottage was designed to be an alternative to nursing homes or assisted living centers. It's equipped with technology that can monitor vital signs, filter contaminants out of the air, alert caregivers to an occupant's fall, remind the occupant to take his medications and more. It also has a kitchen, bedroom with hospital-style bed and a bathroom with a host of "smart" devices, including a toilet that measures weight, temperature and urine content.

The MedCottage is designed to comply with zoning ordinances across the nation.

To learn more, click here.

Happy Veterans Day!

We've assembled a collection of fun facts about Veterans Day for you to share with your residents while honoring those who have served our country!

• In other parts of the world, Veterans Day is celebrated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in honor of November 11 being the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ceased fighting during World War I.
• In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 to be Armistice Day. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.
• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs serves as the chairperson of the Veterans Day National Committee.
• One third of all  living veterans served during the Vietnam War.

Congratulations, Chris Baron!

Team ProMed congratulates Chris Baron on being named the November 2010 Employee Spotlight Award winner! Chris is a picker in the warehouse and has been with ProMed for four years.

“Chris is a longtime employee for Professional Medical and I feel he deserves the award because of his years of dedication to picking orders accurately and quickly,” said Director of Operations/Distribution Christian Barnes. “Chris rarely makes a mistake and we recently put him on checking orders and shipping all LTL orders through our new connect ship program. He has been doing well there to date.”

Warehouse Manager Terry Magoon told us that "Chris has proven to be a key player on the Warehouse Picking Team and has committed himself early on to wanting to succeed and be the best. Chris has stepped up when needed and seems to enjoy the challenge and the challenges that are ahead. He has a positive and helping attitude that has earned him this award."

“Chris is a hard worker who always gives 110 percent,” added Joe Lamorte. “He is always willing to do what is asked of him and more.”

When we asked Chris why he enjoys being a member of Team ProMed, he said, “The people I work with and the fact that I’m learning new things all the time.”

When he’s not at ProMed, Chris enjoys spending time with his two dogs, going to Cubs and Bears games, playing disc golf and camping.

As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Chris will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy in his work area for the month of November. He was also given a $100 cash award.

Amy Gollan Named ProMed Director of Employee and HR Relations

ProMed President Terry Barnes has announced that Amy Gollan will be ProMed’s new Director of Employee and HR Relations. Since Amy joined the company more than five years ago, she has maintained the administration responsibilities of Payroll and was instrumental in setting up the new ADP HR employee maintenance software program. Further, Amy has always done a remarkable job in the planning of employee events throughout the year.

In addition to her Human Resources and Payroll responsibilities, Amy will now handle employee relations including incentives for all ProMed departmental personnel, reviewing some budget concerns and personally arranging selected customer tours and after-hours dinners. Of course, Amy will continue her hard work as President of the Barnes Foundation.

“Amy does a wonderful job with instilling the family values into the company culture,” commented CEO Matt Barnes. “I see this as a great opportunity for her to improve the morale of the team.”

“I think that Amy represents the Barnes family impeccably and is a very caring person,” added Director of Human Resources Barb Walters. “She truly does all that she can to make employees happy.”

“In the year and a half that I’ve been here, I’ve learned a lot from Amy,” said Human Resource Manager Kim Smith. “She is truly a pleasure to work side by side with on a daily basis. She has a heart of gold! She shares her knowledge of ADP and made the implementation of the new payroll/HR software seamless and effortless.”

Congratulations, Amy!

Medical Marijuana Sees Mixed Bag on Election Day

Last week's midterm election saw medical marijuana win some and lose some at the polls. These outcomes have implications for long-term care because a number of facilities use medical cannabis to treat chronic pain and other conditions.

Here's a rundown of how medical marijuana fared during the election:

• South Dakota and Oregon refused to relax medical marijuana regulation, while a vote in Arizona is still too close to call.
• Vermont and Connecticut elected governors who support medical marijuana use.

To learn more, click here.

Just "Beet It" for Brain Health

When a beet lands on your plate, do you beat a hasty retreat? Well, you might want to rethink wrinkling up your nose at these colorful veggies. A new study has found that beet juice improves blood flow to the brains of older adults, partly due to its high concentration of nitrates.

When we eat foods that are high in nitrates, the bacteria in our mouths convert those nitrates in nitrites, which promote blood flow. For older adults, blood flow to the brain is crucial. Research has found that when we age, a lack of blood flow to certain areas of the brain is linked to dementia and problems with cognition.

To learn more, click here.

When is Flu a Medical Emergency?

Flu season is in full swing! Flu can make even the toughest of us feel just plain wretched, but it usually goes away when you stay home and let it take its course. However, according to the CDC, some flu-related symptoms signal that the individual should seek immediate help.

People with the following symptoms should seek emergency medical help immediately:

• Signs of breathing or heart problems (such as chest pain, shortness or breath or bluish or purplish lips)
• Signs of dehydration (such as leathery skin, decreased urination or confusion)
• For children, failure to produce tears when they cry

To learn more, click here. To learn more about flu symptoms and severity, click here.

Courts: Some Medicare Standards Too Strict

Two federal courts, in Pennsylvania and Vermont, recently ruled that the current Medicare standards  used for deciding whether a patient is eligible for skilled nursing facility or home health care are too strict.

The courts found in favor of an 81-year-old Pennsylvania woman whose skilled nursing care, physical therapy and occupational therapy were discontinued following a hip replacement because Medicare alleged she hadn't improved and wasn't likely to. In Vermont, the court sided with a 66-year-old woman who was improperly denied coverage for home therapy that she needed to keep her condition from worsening after she suffered two strokes.

After the rulings, 17 House Democrats drafted a letter to President Obama asking for more relaxed standards, pointing out that many chronic conditions require regular therapy to prevent further deterioration.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Scott Stachowiak!

Team ProMed congratulates Territory Manager Scott Stachowiak and his wife, Heather, on their new addition! Owen Matthew Stachowiak arrived on October 29. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches in length. Congratulations to the happy family!

Study: Insurers Insufficiently Reimbursed for Low-Income Medicare Part D Segment

A new study in the journal Health Affairs found that numerous insurers have stopped serving the low-income segment of the Medicare Part D program because they are not being sufficiently reimbursed for the relatively high medication use among this population.

Because of this, many insurers have increased their premiums for all beneficiaries, leading millions of people to switch prescription drug plans.

The study's authors note that when Medicare Part D was created, the hope was that competition between private plans would lead to lower premiums for beneficiaries - but this hasn't happened.

To learn more, click here.

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month!

Today, November 1, marks the beginning of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease.

The event was established in 1983 by then-President Ronald Reagan, who called members of the Alzheimer's Association to the White House to sign a proclamation declaring November to be National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

To learn more, click here.

Happy Halloween from Team ProMed!

From our team to yours, have a safe and happy Halloween!

"Superbug" Storming into Chicago Hospitals

New research from Rush University and the Cook County Department of Public Health found that a superbug is roaming Chicago hospitals at a much higher rate than last year.

The bug in question is Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase, or KPC, an enzyme produced by common bacteria. The enzyme makes bacteria resistant to a class of antibiotics typically used as a last resort when other treatments fail.

Since last year, the number of Chicago hospitals and LTC facilities reporting KPC-producing bacteria has swelled from 26 to 37, an increase of 42 percent. The average number of patients with KPC at each of these facilities also grew from four to 10.

The study's presenters emphasized that it's important to try and get KPC under control as soon as possible so it doesn't become as rampant as MRSA.

KPC has been found to kill 40 percent of the people it infects. It is typically spread through contact with an infected person or on the unclean hands of healthcare workers. It doesn't typically sicken healthy people, instead favoring immunocompromised individuals, such as nursing home residents and hospital patients.

To learn more, click here.

Seniors Could Play Key Role in Next Week's Election

Recent news reports have noted that senior citizens, angered over healthcare Medicare cuts, will play a key role in next week's midterm elections.

Of course, the candidates who are running for office don't agree on what those Medicare slashes mean to seniors.  Republicans maintain that the government is trimming Medicare to the tune of $500 billion. Democrats have been defending the law, saying the it will save the government $533 billion during the first 10 years it's in effect. Frustration over this lack of clarity is driving many senior citizens to vote or even campaign for the party they support.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Mike Kellenberger!

Team ProMed congratulates Mike Kellenberger on his recent nuptials! Mike and his bride, Michelle, tied the knot on Sunday, October 17.

CMS Seeks to Clarify Roles of Hospice, LTC Providers

CMS is seeking to revise the requirements that a facility would have to meet in order to participate as a skilled nursing facility in the Medicare program, or as a nursing facility in the Medicaid program. The goal of the proposed changes is to ensure that SNFs and NFs have a written agreement in place that would outline roles and responsibilities in the event that the facility chose to arrange for hospice care from a Medicare-certified hospice provider.

In the proposed rule, CMS stated that, "We believe there is a lack of clear direction regarding the responsibilities of providers in caring for LTC facility residents who receive hospice care from a Medicare certified hospice provider, which could result in duplicative or missing services."

To view the proposed rule, click here.

CDC: 1 in 3 US Adults Could Have Diabetes by 2050

A sobering new analysis from the CDC found that as many as one in three adults in the US could have diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue. By comparison, one in 10 US adults have diabetes now.

The rise is expected to be triggered by an aging population that is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, increases in minority groups at a high risk for type 2 diabetes and people with diabetes living longer. It is estimated that the number of new diabetes cases each year will rise from 8 per 1,000 people in 2008 to 15 per 1,000 in 2050. Currently, about 24 million Americans have diabetes, and one quarter of them don't know that they have it.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history, gestational diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle. Some races and ethnicities are also at a higher risk for developing the disease, including African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives and some Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2007. It's also the leading cause of blindness among adults under the age of 75, kidney failure and leg and foot amputations (not related to injury) among adults. On average, the medical expenses for people with diagnosed diabetes are twice that of non-diabetics.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations to Kurt Gerling on His New Addition!

Team ProMed congratulates Territory Manager Kurt Gerling and his wife, Stephanie, on their new addition! Cole Haven Gerling was born on September 2. He weighed in at 8 lbs., 2 oz. and was 21 inches long. Congratulations to the beautiful family!

CPR: Ditch the "ABC"s and Catch a "CAB"

Chances are, when you learned CPR, you were taught your "ABCs" - airway, breathing, compressions. Now the American Heart Association wants you to catch a "CAB" - compressions, airway, breathing.

The steps are being reordered because taking time to open the victim's airway delays the start of chest compressions, which keep the blood circulating. Compressions act like an "artificial heart" to help keep the organ alive until help arrives. 

Under the new guidelines, CPR should consist of 30 chest compressions, then two breaths. Rescuers should push at least two inches deep on the chest of an adult and pump the chest at a rate of at least 100 compressions a minute. A good guide to this rate is to use the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive."

To learn more, click here.

CMS Planning Nov. 9 Conference Call to Discuss RUG-IV

If you still have questions about RUG-IV, CMS has answers. The agency has announced plans for a toll-free provider conference call that will take place from 2 - 3:30 p.m. (EDT) on November 9.

This will be the fourth call that CMS has hosted to provide details on the signifcant changes happening with RUG-IV. After the formal presentation, callers will have a chance to ask CMS subject matter experts questions.

The RUG-IV SNF PPS case mix system was put into place on an interim basis effective October 1.

To learn more and register for the call, click here. Registration closes on November 8, or when all available spots have been filled.

CMS Snafu Means MDS 3.0 Validation Reports Will Be Reprocessed

A glitch in the new MDS 3.0 system means that CMS will have to reprocess validation reports from more than 100,000 nursing home records. The problem has been traced to an error in lines of code in the MDS program. That incorrect code caused validation reports to contain incorrect RUG groups.

The MDS system has been down since last weekend while CMS works to correct the error. The agency hopes to have it fixed by the end of this week.

The good news is that problem hasn't affected payment because providers haven't been billed for October yet.

To learn more, click here.

Pharmacist Group: Drug Take-Back Law Unclear

Last week, President Obama signed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 into law - but one pharmacist group is saying the new law raises more questions than it provides answers.

The law permits community-based drug take-back programs and law enforcement officials to accept unused controlled prescription medications from long-term care facilities for safe disposal, thereby reducing the risk of the drugs being abused or misused.

However, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) has criticized the law, saying that it could actually lead to more uncertainty for those in LTC. The law allows the attorney general to establish guidelines for long-term care facilities disposing of medications, but it doesn't require that the attorney general make the guidelines. According to the ASCP, this leaves facilities and pharmacies without clear instructions on how to dispose of drugs.

To learn more, click here.

Keep Walking to Stave Off Dementia

Want to cut your dementia risk? Then lace up your walking shoes! According to a new study out of the University of Pittsburgh, walking at least six miles a week helps to protect brain size and, in turn, preserve memory.

Our brains begin to shrink in late adulthood, which can cause trouble with memory. Walking has been found to increase the volume of the brain's gray matter, which is associated with fewer memory problems.

During the study, 299 dementia-free participants recorded the number of blocks they walked in a week. People who walked at least 72 blocks a week - or roughly six miles - were found to have more gray matter nine years later than people who didn't walk as much. The participants who walked the most during the study cut their risk of memory problems in half. However, walking more than six miles didn't appear to increase gray matter volume any further.

The study was published in the October 13 online version of the journal Neurology and was supported by the National Institute on Aging. To learn more, click here.

Senator Blasts Sebelius, Berwick

In an October 6 letter, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) took CMS Administrator Don Berwick and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to task for "inadequate management and oversight of contractors by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)." He goes on to express his concern over his perception that CMS "does not seem to examine its contractors' roles in enabling taxpayer dollars to be misused or wasted and to hold contractors accountable if they fail to carry out their responsibilities as expected."

Grassley cites a report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Analysis of Errors  Identified in the Fiscal Year 2009 Comprehensive Error Rate Testing Program, in his letter. According to the report, a total of $4,720,432 was spent on improper payments during FY 2009. The majority of those payments (40%) were made to inpatient hospitals. Skilled nursing facilities received 6% of the improper payments, for a total of $260,381.

Grassley also expressed concern over what he perceives as an apparent lack of accountability by Medicare contractors known as Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs). He is challenging HHS and CMS to address his concerns and allegations in a response by October 20.

To view Grassley's letter, click here.

EPA Bites Back at Bed Bugs

The Environmental Protection Agency is biting back at nuisance bed bugs by providing consumers with a Bed Bug Search Tool on their website. Consumers can use the tool to search for an EPA-approved bed bug product by the product name, manufacturer, EPA registration number, where they plan to use the pesticide or pesticide type.

The site also addresses why some treatments might not work, such as failure to use them correctly or inadequately preparing an area before using a treatment.

To visit the EPA's main informational page on bed bugs, click here.

CMS Experiencing MDS 3.0 Processing Problems

According to multiple industry sources, CMS has temporarily suspended processing MDS 3.0 files because of a "glitch" in the RUG DLL. In the meantime, submission files are still being accepted and timestamped to ensure that nursing homes get credit for timeliness.

The agency is hoping to start processing files again on Monday morning, and they're downplaying the magnitude of the glitch. The system that processes files can handle about 20,000 files per hour and currently there are less than 2,000 files in the queue.

We'll keep you posted as we learn more!

CDC: Healthcare Workers Play Key Role in Flu Prevention

The CDC is reminding healthcare workers that they play a special role in fighting the flu. The agency is recommending that all physicians, nurses, other workers in hospital and outpatient-care settings and emergency-response workers receive the flu vaccine. By doing so, they're not only protecting their health, but the health of their families and residents/patients as well. Additionally, high vaccination rates among healthcare workers have been tied to improved resident/patient outcomes, reduced absenteeism and lower flu rates among staff.

Healthcare workers should also encourage vulnerable residents and patients to consider getting flu shots to protect themselves.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Patty Adams!

Team ProMed congratulates Patty Adams on being named the October 2010 Employee Spotlight Award winner! Patty is a CPC Data/Pricing Analyst and has been with ProMed six years this month.

“Patty’s dedication and loyalty over the years have proven to be an asset to ProMed. She is very detailed and conscious about her job performance, which makes her valuable in the tasks she performs in the Special Sales Department,” said Jodi Dzak, Director of Special Sales/Customer and Vendor Contracts and Patty’s manager. “She is ready and willing to move on to the next level in her position and I look forward to helping her grow. “

Added Jodi, “Patty is a very friendly and outgoing person who enjoys time with her family. Her family values extend here to her ProMed family and she is liked by many of her coworkers.”

When we asked Patty what makes ProMed a great place to work, she responded “the interaction with my coworkers. We have a lot of great people working here and I enjoy their humor and good-natured teasing, which helps us all get through the day even though we're busy.”

As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Patty will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy at her desk for the month of October. She was also given a $100 cash award.

IOM: Give Nurses a Larger Role in Healthcare Reform

A new report from the Institute of Medicine calls for nurses to be given a larger, more fundamental role in the transformation of the US healthcare system.

Titled The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the report calls for the removal of barriers currently preventing nurses from being able to respond quickly and effectively to changing healthcare settings. In turn, this will allow nurses to play a vital role in meeting the objectives of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, more widely known as the healthcare reform law.

The report contains four key messages:

• Nurses should be practice to the full extent of their education and training.
• Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression.
• Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other healthcare professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States.
• Effective workforce planning and policy making require better data collection and information infrastructure.

The report notes that other groups should also play a role in helping to revamp the current healthcare system, including government, businesses, healthcare organizations, professional associations and the insurance industry.

To learn more, click here.

Happy National Gerontological Nurses Week!

October 1-8 is National Geronological Nurses Week! Team ProMed wishes to extend our appreciation to the gerontological nurses across the nation for all they do to care for America's elders.

National Gerontological Nurses Week is sponsored by the National Gerontological Nursing Association. To learn more, click here.

CMS Updates SOM Appendix PP

On September 24, CMS announced that Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual has been updated to reflect MDS 3.0, which took effect on October 1. The revised appendix was released on October 1 as an agency transmittal.

Changes to the appendix include:

• Removal of references to MDS 2.0
• Replacing Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) terminology with Care Area Assessment (CAA) terminology

Additionally, CMS forms 672, 802 and 805 have been updated.

Hello, MDS 3.0!

MDS 3.0 - touted as the largest operational change in nursing homes since the dawn of the prospective payment system - goes into effect today!

Revamping the MDS meant that nursing homes have had to update their computer hardware and software, change policies and train employees on what to expect.

Among the biggest changes from MDS 2.0 to 3.0 are:

• The introduction of the resident interview
• Changes to Medicare Part A therapy's payment system
• Resident Assesment Protcols (RAPs) are replaced by Care Area Assessments (CAAs)

To learn more, click here.

Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This year, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is focusing its efforts on educating people of all ages on the importance of physical activity in preventing and combating obesity and its consequences.

When working with obese children and adults, physical therapists work to promote movement, reduce pain when it is present, maintain or restore function and prevent disability. They also incorporate behavior modification into weight loss programs, such as identifying causes of unhealthy behaviors and recognizing any barriers to forming healthy habits.

During National Physical Month, the APTA will also strive to educate the public on how physical therapists can help ease complications associated with type 2 diabetes. For example, they can perform tests to check foot sensation, help decrease cramping pain during walking, evaluate and care for skin ulcers and slow-to-heal sores and improve walking ability with orthotics and special shoes. They can also provide diabetics with an individualized program to help reduce the need for medications, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and manage glucose levels.

To learn more about National Physical Therapy Month, click here.

Carly Carlton Promoted to Director of Innovation and Technology

Team ProMed congratulates Carly Carlton on being named Director of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)! In her new role, Carly will oversee our IT employees and serve as liaison between Team ProMed and DoIT.

“I feel this is a good fit for Carly and I’m thrilled she has taken the challenge to get us to the next level,” said ProMed CEO Matt Barnes.

“Carly’s role will expand to include responsibility over the network,” explained CIO Bob Sieger. “During her short tenure here at Professional Medical, Carly has proven to be a valuable asset to the IT organization in both her technical skills as well as leadership ability. While I will maintain overall responsibility for IT, my current role is expanding to support the strategic direction of Professional Medical as we continue our overall growth.”

Carly’s colleagues have nothing but praise for her and confidence that she will excel in her new position.

“I enjoyed working with Carly through the entire P21 implementation as she possessed a great deal of knowledge in all areas of the business and I am happy that she is being recognized for it,” said Jodi Dzak, Director of Special Sales/Customer and Vendor Contracts.

“I’ve always found Carly to be extremely knowledgeable when I’ve spoken with her,” added Director of Human Resources Barb Walters.

“Since Carly joined Team ProMed, she has been a valuable asset,” said COO Alan Ferry. “She has a natural talent and desire to take on challenges from every angle to provide solutions and efficiencies. Carly has the unique talent of seeing the issues from the users’ perspective, which streamlines development and training.”

Congratulations, Carly!

Happy 50th Birthday, CPR!

Since it was developed in September of 1960, CPR has been known as the best way to resuscitate someone who is suffering cardiac arrest. In honor of its 50th birthday, we thought we'd share some CPR facts!

• It was a major improvemement. Before CPR came along, people attempted resuscitation by lifting a person's arms above his head to ease circulation or using fireplace bellows to force air into the lungs, among other less pleasant methods such as pulling the tongue forcefully and rhythmically.
• It buys time. CPR gets the system started while waiting for a defibrillator, which improves a person's chance of recovery. Research has shown that a person's chance of survival falls between 7 and 10 percent for every minute without CPR.
• It isn't used enough. Only 31 percent of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital receive CPR from a bystander.
• It's groovy. The American Heart Association's hands-only CPR technique requires pushing hard and fast in the center of someone's chest at the rate of 100 compressions per minute, which matches the beat of "Stayin' Alive," "Hey Mama," "Dancing Queen" and "Hips Don't Lie," among other songs.

To learn more, click here.

Confused about Long-Term Care? There's Funding for That

Having trouble deciphering Medicare and Medicaid benefits? You're not alone. That's why the government has set aside $68 million in grant money to help seniors, the disabled and their caregivers decipher their long-term care options.

The funds are also assigned to assist residents with the transition between skilled nursing care and home care. All 50 states - as well as 125 tribal organizations - will receive funds to be used to help educate beneficiaries on the benefits for which they are eligible.

To learn more, click here.

Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots of Similac Infant Formula Following Discovery of Beetles

Even though our customers - mostly long-term care facilities - aren't in the market for infant formula, we know that many caregivers have kids at home, so we thought this recall was worth mentioning.

Abbott is recalling certain lots of Similac-brand powder infant formula after discovering the presence of small beetles. The beetles pose no immediate health risk, but infants who consume the affected formula might experience gastrointestinal discomfort or refuse to eat because the small insect parts irritate their GI tracts.

To determine if formula you have purchased is included in the recall, please visit www.similac.com/recall.

Don't Panic - Medicare Part D Drug Discounts are Still Happening

Vice President Joe Biden and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are pooh-poohing a rumor that drug makers will be hiking their prices in the coming months to offset the new healthcare law's plan to offer a 50% discount to those who fall into the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole."

During a call with senior citizens on Thursday, Biden and Sebelius stressed that as part of the healthcare law, the government struck a deal with pharmaceutical companies to begin lowering the price of drugs, effective 2011. The 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs is the second phase of the Obama administration's plan to close to doughnut hole by 2020.

Sebelius added that the savings on drugs will continue even after the gap is closed.

To learn more, click here.

Today is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day!

Today, the first day of fall, marks National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Falls are the leading cause of nursing admission in the U.S., and the CDC estimates that more than $19 billion is spent every year treating the adverse effects of falls among the elderly.

The goal of National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is to both promote awareness about falls prevention and implement programs to help reduce falls among the elderly.

Diabetic? There's an App - and a Gadget - for That

This is one of the coolest gadgets we've seen in a long time - and unlike many cell phone accessories that make their way to the market, it's actually useful!

The iBGStar by Sanofi-Aventis is an iPhone-compatible glucometer. It builds upon the existing WaveSense Diabetes Manager iPhone program, which allows diabetics to track their results and identify trends over time. The iBGStar plugs right into your iPhone and is an alternative to glucometers that don't store or wirelessly transmit data. It requires a small sample size of blood and matches the look of the iPhone.

Data that is stored in the WaveSense application can be accessed on the phone or the user's computer, allowing them to always have it handy to share with their healthcare providers.

The official release for the iBGStar is expected in early 2011. To learn more, click here.

Proposed CMS Program Aims to Prevent Medicare/Medicaid Fraud

CMS is proposing a program that would require medical providers and suppliers to undergo stricter screening if they want to participate or enroll in Medicare and Medicaid.

Under the plan, suppliers and providers would be assessed for their risk of fraud, waste and abuse. They would then be placed into one of three risk groups: limited risk, moderate risk and high risk. Each group would have to meet different criteria for enrollment and participation, with high-risk applicants being subject to more rigorous evaluation that would include criminal background checks and fingerprinting in addition to other Medicare and Medicaid requirements.

The goal of the program is to help prevent fraud before it happens and to shift CMS to a fraud prevention model rather than a "pay-and-chase" enforcement model.

To learn more, click here.

It's Time to Celebrate Rehabilitation!

September 19-25 marks this year's National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration! The celebration is sponsored by the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation, or NRAF. The theme of this year's celebration is "Reaching for That Star: The Power of Rehab."

Since 1996, the NRAF has sought to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation, develop programs that increase opportunities for the nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities and help disabled people live up to their fullest potential through rehabilitation. The foundation is headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

To learn more, click here.

Professor Names Best "Nana Technology" Items for 2010

You've heard of nanotechnology, but how about "Nana technology"? It's a term that George Mason University professor Andrew Carle coined in 2004 to describe the growing industry of microchip-based products for seniors.

Carle, the director of GMU's Program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration, releases an annual list of the best new "Nana technology" products for older adults. There are four products on this year's list.

1. GlowCaps: Designed to replace the caps on standard prescription bottles, these caps contain an embedded microchip that provides light and sound reminders to seniors to take their medications. If the cap is not removed, an automated phone call to a family member or caregiver is triggered. The cap can also generate weekly email reports and notify a pharmacy when a refill is needed. Click here to learn more about GlowCaps.

2. Wellcore: The Wellcore activity monitor looks like a stylish pedometer and is designed to remove the stigma of wearing a "granny pendant." It offers fall detection technology, 24/7 call center assistance and daily activity reports for wearers or caregivers. It can also be combined with compatible cell phones to offer access to services outside the home. To learn more about Wellcore, click here.

3. DriveSharp: DriveSharp is a computer-based program that consists of exercises designed to sharpen attention and peripheral vision. Users click through the 20-minute exercises three to five days per week. In studies, DriveSharp demonstrated a 50 percent reduction in crash risk, 200 percent increase in field of vision and a 22-foot reduction in stopping distance. To learn more about DriveSharp, click here.

4. ActiveONE Personal Assistance Locator: The Personal Assistance Locator, or PAL, was dubbed "OnStar for people" by Professor Carle. It's a cell phone-sized device that provides 24/7 live operator assistance. Available services include emergency assistance, falls detection, medication reminders, directions and placing calls to family members. It also includes GPS tracking and "geo-fencing" capabilities that send an alert if the user wanders outside of a programmed distance from the house or other location. To learn more about the PAL, click here.

To learn more about Professor Carle and the Nana technologies, click here.

Four States to Benefit from Medicaid Matching Funds for EHR

Four states are set to benefit from matching Medicaid funds for implementing electronic health record, or EHR, programs. The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and provide a 90 percent match to states planning to administer EHR incentive payments to Medicaid providers.

The states that will benefit are:

• North Dakota ($226,000)
• Hawaii ($836,000)
• Ohio ($2.29 million)
• Massachusetts ($3.56 million)

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations to Our iPad Winner!

Team ProMed congratulates Kyle Moore of Doctors Nursing & Rehabilitation Center! Kyle won our iPad giveaway at the Illinois Health Care Association 60th Annual Convention & Trade Show this week.

Happy National Assisted Living Week!

September 12-18, 2010 is National Assisted Living Week! The theme of this year's celebration is "Living Life."

National Assisted Living Week was established in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). It provides an opportunity for families, staff, volunteers and the community to join together and show residents how special and treasured they are. The NCAL encourages facilities to involve residents in a variety of events and activities throughout the week.

The NCAL explained the meaning behind this year's theme, "Living Life," in this way: "You don't have to be a rock climber, sky diver, marathon runner, or scholar to live life to the fullest. Living life means participating in activities that you enjoy and pursuing your passions, whatever they may be. It means never stopping the process of discovery or mastering talents. It means sharing your history and teaching others what you have learned. It is a lifelong pursuit of happiness and growth. We all want to live life to the fullest, no matter how old or young we are. Assisted living communities around the country are giving their residents the environment and tools they need to reach their goals. We celebrate their efforts and the residents who inspire their community."

To learn more about National Assisted Living Week, click here.

Vegetable Pizza Wins ProMed's Third Employee Cooking Contest

On Friday, September 10, ProMed hosted our third employee cooking contest! This time, we challenged employees to create their favorite appetizer to share with the office. When the votes were counted, Patty Adams' Vegetable Pizza emerged victorious! Patty's recipe will be published in the next issue of Embrace magazine, which will be out in October. If you haven't signed up for a subscription to Embrace yet (it's free to ProMed customers) please visit http://www.embracethemagazine.com/.

CDC: Nine Out of 10 Seniors Take at Least One Prescription Drug

A new data brief from the CDC reports that the use of prescription drugs continues to rise and that nine out of 10 seniors are taking at least one prescription medication. The CDC also noted that prescription drug use increases with age and that women are more likely than men to take prescription drugs.

Total spending on prescription drugs reached $234.1 billion in 2008, which is more than double what was spent in 1999.

Among adults age 60 and older, the most commonly used prescription drugs were:

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs: 44.9%
• Beta blockers (for high blood pressure and heart disease): 26.4%
• Diuretics (also for high blood pressure and heart disease): 19.9%

To view additional study findings, click here.

Medicare Beneficiaries to Receive Free Flu Shots

This fall, seniors will see another benefit of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as the healthcare reform law. Medicare beneficiaries are slated to be able to receive the flu shot without any co-pays or deductibles.

A new, higher-dose vaccine will be available for people over 65. This vaccine contains about four times the amount of the active ingredient in the normal vaccine. However, it still remains to be seen whether the higher-dose shot will be more effective for senior citizens.

To learn more, click here.

ASCP: Nurses Should be Doctors' Agents for Pain Meds

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, or ASCP, strongly supports allowing nursing home nurses to act as agents on behalf of physicians for the purpose of prescribing pain meds. The group has asked the DEA to consider incorporating this change into the Controlled Substances Act.

According to ASCP's president, Shelly Spiro, "Recognizing nurses as agents of the prescriber and chart orders as valid prescriptions will eliminate the regulatory bureaucracy creating delays for patients in need of pain relief."

Currently, the DEA defines "agent" as someone employed by the prescribing physician. Because most physicians who prescribe pain meds to nursing home residents aren't actually employed by the nursing home, nurses at these facilities technically can't act as their agents.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Mark Robustelli!

Team ProMed congratulates Mark Robustelli on being named the September 2010 Employee Spotlight Award winner! Mark is a Senior Developer in the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) and has been with the company for just over two years.

“Mark is a dedicated member of the ProMed DoIT team,” said Bob Sieger, CIO. “He has surfaced as an exceptional leader and team ‘go-to’ man. Mark is detail-oriented with a keen eye clearly focused on the goal. Through Mark’s tireless efforts and skill, the P21 data Import went much smoother than we could have hoped. He is a true asset and a standout ProMed team member.”

“Mark has show fantastic leadership skills and has driven the ProMed DoIT staff to new levels,” added Information Technology Manager Carly Carlton. “He is a pleasure to work with and is always there to lend support. Mark has proven to be a dedicated member of Team ProMed and I am proud to have him in my department. Congratulations!”

When we asked Mark what made ProMed a great place to work, he offered effusive praise. “There are many things that go into making ProMed a great place to work,” he said. “First and foremost are the people. One of the things that first drew me to ProMed was that it was a family business. I didn’t want to go to some big corporate gig and just punch in and punch out. While we are growing, ProMed has gone to great lengths to try and maintain the family atmosphere. I think that has attracted employees that are like-minded and keeps things enjoyable. Another part is the professional aspect. With the pace of business, there is never a shortage of IT projects and things to work on. I get to interact with the other parts of the business and the people in those departments. I think in my time here, I have had interactions with almost every department. In addition to the great people in IT, I have worked with people in Special Sales, Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Warehouse, MedB, Human Resources and Management. Each project has had its own technical challenges, which I enjoy, and the people in those departments made them as easy as possible to work through.”

Mark also thanked the coworkers who nominated him for the Employee Spotlight Award and the Barnes family for the many things they do for their employees.

As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Mark will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy at his desk for the month of September. He was also given a $100 cash award.

SHEA: No Flu Vaccination, No Job!

According to the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), if you want to work in a healthcare facility, you should be ready to roll up your sleeve. The agency has released a position paper asserting that flu vaccination should be a condition of employment.

A study conducted during the 2009 flu and H1N1 season found that 39% of healthcare workers had no intention of getting vaccinated. SHEA is arguing that not only does the vaccine help prevent caregivers from spreading flu to residents, it also reduces the likelihood that the caregiver will get sick and miss work, potentially impacting care. This vaccine mandate would ideally extend to everyone who works in a healthcare setting, not just those who have direct contact with residents. The only exception would be those people for whom the vaccine is medically contraindicated.

The paper was published in Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology. To read it, click here.

Ted Walsh Promoted to Regional Sales Manager

Team ProMed congratulates Ted Walsh on his promotion to Regional Sales Manager. In his new role, Ted’s primary objective will be managing the sales team to success. He’ll be responsible for identifying and qualifying leads, tracking the movements of all of the prospects that each of his people have and hunting the biggest customers in Ohio. He’ll also use the skills he developed as a ProMed territory manager to determine which assets need to be used in order to achieve success.

“Ted Walsh is the future of Team ProMed,” said Matt Barnes. “He can manage. He can hunt. I haven’t found anything he’s not good at. Ted Walsh is a renaissance man. We’re proud to have him as part of the ProMed family.”

“Ted has exhibited strength and professionalism in a way that is rare at such a young age,” said Al Wiggs. “He has the unique ability to develop a relationship with a customer while never losing sight of the very specific steps needed to satisfy both the customer and ProMed. Ted’s well-liked, he is well-organized and above all else he is strong. He deals with pressure well and he always has a good idea. I personally can’t think of a better guy to lead the Northeast team that we have as it grows and develops.”

Immediately following his promotion, Ted enjoyed a shopping trip with Matt to the ever-popular Syd Jerome.

Here’s what Ted’s colleagues had to say about him:

Dan Brooks: “I think that the foundation of Ted’s exceptional solution selling is ability to listen to his customers and prospects. Ted has an excellent ability to ask questions that hit home with his customers and get them talking about their pains and needs. Through listening to his customers, Ted formulates calculated and customized solutions that his customers value and his competitors cannot compete with. Ted utilizes his strategic question asking and listening skills to drive business when working on a solution for a single home, developing a strategy to convert a chain of homes or providing insight to his reps. All of these attributes culminate in Ted’s uncanny ability to identify prospects, develop a selling relationship built around being a trusted advisor and delivering comprehensive solutions in a quick, efficient sales cycle.”

Kurt Gerling: “Ted is easily one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met and he will be a fantastic Regional Manager. A main reason is because of the way he treats the people who work with him. Ted has a very unique ability to make people feel extremely comfortable and confident in their abilities. The TMs that work with Ted will be a very lucky group that will have an opportunity to succeed unlike any other. Congrats to a very deserving Theodore Walsh.”

Rocky Howard: “Ted has been a pleasure to work with since joining ProMed. Ted has done a wonderful job growing new business in Ohio and maintaining/growing that which was gifted to him. He is always willing and anxious to assist others and will serve Team ProMed well with his new management responsibilities. Best wishes to Ted with his new responsibilities at ProMed and in his upcoming marriage. He is a good man and we’re all very proud of him!”

Mike Kellenberger: “I am very excited to be part of the same team as Ted Walsh! I have had the pleasure of working with Ted Walsh from day one and watching him hit the ground running with excitement and energy. Ted is just completed his first year with ProMed, and his passion and drive have opened up a new exciting challenge. Ted has taken ownership of Ohio and the territory managers in his state! Congratulations, Ted, you are one of the greats. You will be a great manager, and I am proud to be on your team!”

Keith Kennedy: “Ted Walsh has and will continue to amaze me. His ability to build relationships from the top down is extremely impressive. He is a chameleon in respect to catering his personality to the audience represented. It has been a true pleasure working side by side with Ted over the past year. I have learned so much from him and could only hope he has taken a few pearls of wisdom from me. There is no doubt in my mind Ted will continue to dominate, leaving a trail of McKesson, Medline and Gulf South blood behind.”

Diana Nowicki: “While working with Ted, I was always grateful for his organized and thorough input. You don’t always receive this from the strong personalities in the sales field, but he has been able to maintain his relationship-building skills as well as his strength in knowledge. He has been key in restructuring his own territory priorities and the region as a whole. In regards to the inside sales department, he has been a godsend through his great communication and filling in the gap between inside and outside sales departments. He has shone as a leader in his region for spreading these skills through his region as his peers have followed in his example.

“One of the first times I met him in person, he was quick to share his experience and expertise in selling to different targets as well as answering my many questions about distribution sales. I have looked up to him as a key resource in our organization as well as a key asset to our industry as he has already made a significant mark in his region.

“This promotion only solidifies that people have noticed Ted’s hard work and diligence as he has swooped across Ohio and made a name for himself. I am so proud to see him in a leadership role, as his guidance will make ProMed’s presence in the region even stronger.”

It's Official - AAHSA Now LeadingAge

On July 1, we told you that the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) was planning to change its name to LeadingAge because it felt the new moniker better reflected the group's role and internal vibrancy.

The change was dependent upon a vote from AAHSA's membership. On Monday, AAHSA announced that approximately 40 percent of members cast their votes, with 85% voting for the name change and 15% voting against it.

The new name will take effect in early 2011, the organization's 50th anniversary. The group will also begin using a new mission statement: "Expanding the world of possibilities for aging."