HD Clinical Insights
Clinical Insights from HealthDirect keep you informed and up-to-date with actionable content including did-you-know and product-focused resources.
HealthDirect Clinical Articles
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Did You Know? 2026 Medicare Part-D Overview
Read More: Did You Know? 2026 Medicare Part-D OverviewIn This Issue: Open Enrollment & CMS Letters Medicare’s open enrollment for 2026 will take place from October 15th – December 7th. CMS sends letters to beneficiaries from September through November regarding important changes for the next…
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DYK? Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Guidance – HealthDirect Pharmacy Services
Read More: DYK? Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Guidance – HealthDirect Pharmacy ServicesCirculating Respiratory Viruses Circulating respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more common in fall and winter, and can lead to significant illness and disease in the community care setting. Vaccines…
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Did You Know? RSV Vaccine Guidance for Adults
Read More: Did You Know? RSV Vaccine Guidance for AdultsAbout RSV Related Respiratory Disease Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause significant lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in older patients, especially those with comorbidities identified by the CDC as heightened risk factors- asthma, diabetes, COPD, CHF, or…
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DYK? Updates to Nursing Home Care Compare – HealthDirect Pharmacy Services
Read More: DYK? Updates to Nursing Home Care Compare – HealthDirect Pharmacy ServicesCMS Announces Significant Updates to Nursing Home Care Compare and the 5-Star Rating System The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued QSO-25-20-NH, outlining substantial updates to the Nursing Home Care Compare website and the Five-Star…
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Did You Know? Agitation in Alzheimer’s Dementia
Read More: Did You Know? Agitation in Alzheimer’s DementiaWhat is Agitation in Alzheimer’s Dementia (AAD)? AAD is common in individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia and can be a challenging behavioral symptom, characterized by restlessness, irritability, and in some cases, aggression. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach,…
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Did You Know? Pneumococcal Vaccination
Read More: Did You Know? Pneumococcal VaccinationAbout Pneumococcal Infection and Disease Pneumococcal disease is a term used for a wide range of infections caused by bacteria called Streptococcuspneumoniae (pneumococcus). Ear and sinus infections are examples of mild infections these bacteria can cause. The…
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Did You Know? GERD Management
Read More: Did You Know? GERD ManagementGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)Considerations for Older Adults Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from the reflux of gastric contents (regurgitation) into the esophagus due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and/or impaired esophageal clearance. Gastroesophageal reflux…
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Did You Know? Magnesium Supplements
Read More: Did You Know? Magnesium SupplementsMagnesium Status and Aging Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is naturally present in many foods, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines (such as antacids and laxatives). Magnesium is a cofactor in…
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Did You Know? Falls Prevention (STEADI)
Read More: Did You Know? Falls Prevention (STEADI)Fall Burden to Older Adults Among adults aged ≥65 years (older adults) in the United States, the leading cause of injury and related deaths is unintentional falls. Injuries from falls can lead to hospitalizations, nursing home admissions,…
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DYK? Updates to the State Operations Manual (SOM) – HDRX
Read More: DYK? Updates to the State Operations Manual (SOM) – HDRXin effect February 24, 2025 Revised Long-Term Care (LTC) Surveyor Guidance On November 18th, 2024, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memorandum QSO-25-07-NH, announcing extensive new guidance to surveyors throughout Appendix PP in the…
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Did You Know? Influenza and COVID-19
Read More: Did You Know? Influenza and COVID-19Influenza and COVID-19 Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities Part I – Influenza (Flu) Management and Treatment Options Influenza can be introduced into a long-term care facility by newly admitted residents, healthcare personnel, and…
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Did You Know? High Risk Medications
Read More: Did You Know? High Risk MedicationsFrom the CMS MDS Manual – N0415: High-Risk Drug Classes: Use and Indication Health-Related Quality of Life: For residents’ ordered medications from the drug classes below considered ‘High-Risk’ by CMS: A review of these high-risk drug classes,…
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PF: Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate (Capvaxive™) Vaccine – HDRX
Read More: PF: Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate (Capvaxive™) Vaccine – HDRXVaccines to Prevent Pneumococcal Infection and Disease Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at the greatest risk of seriousillness and death. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common clinical manifestation of pneumococcal disease…
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Product Focus: mResvia® (RSV Vaccine 60+)
Read More: Product Focus: mResvia® (RSV Vaccine 60+)Moderna mResvia® – Recommendations & Details For patients aged 60 or older, the risk of severe RSV infection and hospitalization can be high—making protection by vaccination that much more important. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause significant…
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DYK? Navigate Seasonal Respiratory Illness Season – HealthDirect Pharmacy Services
Read More: DYK? Navigate Seasonal Respiratory Illness Season – HealthDirect Pharmacy ServicesCommon Fall & Winter Respiratory Illnesses Circulating respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more common in fall and winter, and can lead to significant illness and disease in the community…
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DYK? CMS E-Prescribing Controlled Substances (EPCS) Program Update – HealthDirect Pharmacy Services
Read More: DYK? CMS E-Prescribing Controlled Substances (EPCS) Program Update – HealthDirect Pharmacy ServicesPrescriptions written for a beneficiary in a long-term care (LTC)facility will be included in determining complianceEFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2025 Is the CMS EPCS Program Voluntary? No. All prescribers who issue controlled substance prescriptions under Medicare Part D…
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DYK? Age-Friendly Health Systems Recog Prog – HealthDirect Pharmacy Services
Read More: DYK? Age-Friendly Health Systems Recog Prog – HealthDirect Pharmacy ServicesU.S. Population is Aging According to the US Census Bureau, the US population aged 65+ years is expected to nearly double over thenext 30 years, from 43.1 million in 2012 to an estimated 83.7 million in 2050.…
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Did You Know? Medication Administration Times
Read More: Did You Know? Medication Administration TimesAppropriate Medication Administration Appropriate medication administration pass times are critical to the success of your patients’ medication regimen! In general, routine medication regimens should be administered at consistent times from day to day. When drug manufacturers study…
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