The American journal of managed care
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The estimated global prevalence of chronic cough (CC) is close to 10%; however, this is likely higher, as many epidemiologic surveys do not adequately capture symptoms or diagnoses of CC. There is a large healthcare burden associated with CC as well as decreased quality of life (QOL). CC has previously been considered a symptom of other comorbidities. ⋯ Identified gaps in care include appropriate history taking, efficacious treatments, and more clinicians specializing in cough. Pharmacists require education on the background of CC and current and future therapies to improve disease competency, clinical decision making, and interventions to enhance the QOL by treating CC. Improved decision making will allow pharmacists to educate people with CC and provide resources to enhance their cough-related QOL.
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To estimate the cost savings associated with a pedometer-based, web-mediated physical activity intervention in a cohort of US veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ A pedometer-based, web-mediated physical activity intervention yielded substantial cost savings. Increased implementation of the intervention could markedly reduce the economic burden of COPD for payers and patients.
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Diabetes is a major chronic health issue that continues to grow rapidly on a global level. Pharmacists are highly trusted and accessible health care providers. This systematic scoping review of the scholarly peer-reviewed published literature was performed to qualitatively synthesize evidence on all potential pharmaceutical care services that could be offered by pharmacists while caring for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. ⋯ Pharmacists are increasingly included in multi-health care professional teams. Pharmacists are providers of pharmaceutical care services that can improve pharmacotherapy, reduce costs, and improve quality of life of patients with diabetes.
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Cough serves a protective physiologic function as a vital defensive reflex preventing aspiration. However, exposure to viral infections or other triggers induces, in some individuals, a chronic cough (CC) that causes a significant symptomatic burden. ⋯ Currently, available therapeutic options for refractory CC are inadequate due to limited efficacy and frequently intolerable adverse effects. Current professional society guideline recommendations are discussed, and a promising pipeline of antitussive drugs in development is introduced, including purinergic 2X3 receptor antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists, oral mixed ĸ-opioid receptor agonists/µ-opioid receptor antagonists, and voltage-gated sodium channel blockers.
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This study investigates a sample of the pricing data released by hospitals under the price transparency law effective January 2021 to better understand the prices paid by health insurance exchange (HIX) plans relative to commercial group and Medicare Advantage plans. ⋯ Allowed amounts for HIX plans were generally lower than commercial group rates and higher than Medicare Advantage rates. Better information on HIX pricing is needed as the federal government and states consider additional ways to expand health care coverage, such as public options or expanded Medicaid or Medicare eligibility.