Health Management

AutoImmune

Innovative Approaches in the Treatment and Management of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Key Considerations in Managed Care Decision-Making

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by recurrent attacks of edema at different locations of the body. This potentially life-threatening disease affects approximately 1 in 67,000 individuals, with no identified differences in sex or ethnicity. HAE is characterized by recurrent edema attacks and the cutaneous attacks can be disabling, with the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper airways are most commonly affected and with a persistent risk to the patient of acute events of laryngeal swelling that may prove fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Angioedema in general can be confused with cellulitis, Graves disease, blepharochalasis, eosinophilic fasciitis, or amyloidosis which can lead to delays in diagnosis, and inappropriate treatment poses the risk of adverse events, unnecessary surgical interventions, a higher burden of misery, and a potentially higher rate of morbidity and mortality. Fortunately for patients with HAE, novel therapies have recently become available in the past few years that have shown improved efficacy and safety with improved administration methods. Additionally, new monoclonal antibody therapies targeted at younger HAE populations are on the horizon. With these new options comes a knowledge gap among physician medical directors, pharmacists, immunologists and nurse case managers as the treatment paradigm is growing. For this reason, it is critical that these HCPs are educated and updated on these emerging options and strategies for their implementation into the treatment paradigm, including throughout formulary and health plan discussions, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes in the HAE patient population.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2024

Uncovering Evidence Based Treatment and Management of Psoriatic Arthritis Examining Personalized Treatment Options

Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating disease that may affect up to 1 million adults in the United States, affecting men and women equally. Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive, inflammatory disease that is associated with a number of dermatologic and musculoskeletal manifestations. Patients can experience extreme pain and joint damage that may affect their quality of life, physical function, and ability to work. Symptoms include fatigue, joint inflammation, and potentially progressive joint damage. This activity will examine the considerations for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of psoriatic arthritis. Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be very complex with the most critical factor being the absence of validated criteria for identifying and classifying cases that will help diagnose the disease. The standard diagnostic measures are based on history, a physical exam and x-ray features, so establishing the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms associated in both the skin and joints, and by ruling out more common inflammatory arthritis, can be very helpful. The most commonly accepted diagnostic criterion is the CAPSER classification. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis can sometimes be delayed or missed by primary care providers and other healthcare professionals. With recent updates to the guidelines, there have been updates and advances in digital imaging tools and screening options that have improved the chances of catching psoriatic arthritis early, which allows for better treatment goals to be achieved.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Managed Care Considerations in the Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Optimizing Decision-Making Strategies for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by recurrent attacks of edema at different locations of the body. This potentially life-threatening disease affects approximately 1 in 67,000 individuals, with no identified differences in sex or ethnicity. HAE is characterized by recurrent edema attacks and the cutaneous attacks can be disabling, with the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper airways are most commonly affected and with a persistent risk to the patient of acute events of laryngeal swelling that may prove fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Angioedema in general can be confused with cellulitis, Graves disease, blepharochalasis, eosinophilic fasciitis, or amyloidosis which can lead to delays in diagnosis, and inappropriate treatment poses the risk of adverse events, unnecessary surgical interventions, a higher burden of misery, and a potentially higher rate of morbidity and mortality. Fortunately for patients with HAE, novel therapies have recently become available in the past year and a half that have shown improved efficacy and safety with improved administration methods, including
oral therapy.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Innovations in the Treatment and Management of Chronic Cough: Expert Perspectives on the Role of New and Emerging Therapies

Chronic cough, which is observed in approximately 12% of the US population, is defined as a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. Patients with chronic cough are often distressed by the condition, which can lead to depression, anxiety, a decline in quality of life, and changes to their social activities. The diagnosis and management of chronic cough can be challenging, with only approximately 50% of patients receiving a diagnosis. Recent advances have been made in the understanding and management of refractory chronic cough, with several novel therapies being evaluated in ongoing clinical studies.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Expert Approaches to the Treatment and Management of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a complex, chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects approximately 7 million of the population in the United States. Psoriasis is a periodic flare-up of sharply defined red patches, covered by a silvery, flaky surface. The main disease activity leading to psoriasis occurs in the epidermis, the top five layers of the skin. The disease most commonly appears on the skin of the scalp, elbow, knees, and lumbosacral areas of the body. Many of the patients are not receiving the appropriate treatment discussed in the current guidelines and standards of care. Psoriasis is a complex disease to manage, but the goal should be a patient-centered treatment that reduces disease burden, improves on quality-of-life, and addresses the risks of systemic complications and comorbid conditions. The under diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis continues to be a serious concern.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Improving the Treatment Outcomes in the Management of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating disease that may affect up to 1 million adults in the United States, affecting men and women equally. Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive, inflammatory disease that is associated with a number of dermatologic and musculoskeletal manifestations. Patients can experience extreme pain and joint damage that may affect their quality of life, physical function, and ability to work. Symptoms include fatigue, joint inflammation, and potentially progressive joint damage. This activity will examine the considerations for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of psoriatic arthritis.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

Confronting the Clinical and Economic Burden of Atopic Dermatitis: Managed Care Considerations on the Role of New and Emerging Therapies

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by persistent itching that can severely affect quality of life. This condition evolves from a combination of skin barrier defects and immune-mediated responses involving activated T-helper cells and related cytokines. Our improved understanding of the pathophysiology underlying atopic dermatitis is resulting in the development of targeted therapies for children and adult patients with this disease. There are approximately 17.8 million people with eczema or atopic dermatitis in the United States. Older treatments adequately care for patients with atopic dermatitis, but have shown problems with sustained efficacy in patients with eczema or atopic dermatitis. Fortunately for patients with this disease, several new treatments have recently become available, including JAK inhibitors, that have shown improved efficacy and safety, offering patients the potential for improved outcomes and quality of life. This activity will focus on new and emerging potential therapies, how clinicians can potentially integrate them into the treatment paradigm, what managed care professionals and payors need to know about these new options, and information on the mechanisms of action of these agents. With so many new options becoming potentially available in the management of atopic dermatitis, it is critical that physician medical directors, payers, pharmacy directors, pharmacists, nurse case managers and other HCPs are updated on the safety and efficacy data on these emerging options, possible strategies for implementing them into the treatment paradigm, and key points that managed care professionals need to know, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

Navigating an Increasingly Complex Treatment Paradigm in the Management of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Managed Care Considerations for Improved Patient Outcomes

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by recurrent attacks of edema at different locations of the body. This potentially life-threatening disease affects approximately 1 in 67,000 individuals, with no identified differences in sex or ethnicity. HAE is characterized by recurrent edema attacks and the cutaneous attacks can be disabling, with the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper airways are most commonly affected and with a persistent risk to the patient of acute events of laryngeal swelling that may prove fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Angioedema in general can be confused with cellulitis, Graves disease, blepharochalasis, eosinophilic fasciitis, or amyloidosis which can lead to delays in diagnosis, and inappropriate treatment poses the risk of adverse events, unnecessary surgical interventions, a higher burden of misery, and a potentially higher rate of morbidity and mortality. Fortunately for patients with HAE, novel therapies have recently become available in the past year and a half that have shown improved efficacy and safety with improved administration methods, including oral therapy.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

Clinical Management and Key Considerations to Target Optimal Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, frequently progressive condition that affects approximately 1.6 million people in the United States. This lifelong, systemic autoimmune illness often strikes patients at a young age and must be managed across a lifetime. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, there are as many as 70,000 new cases diagnosed in a year. The diagnosis of IBD is most commonly based on imaging to assess the portions of the small bowel that are inaccessible to optical endoscopic visualization, which may also include a combination of endoscopy and histopathology. Imaging plays a critical role in the initial diagnosis and ongoing evaluation of IBD patients.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

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Cardiovascular

Optimizing LDL-C Reduction in Lipid Management: What Managed Care Needs to Know about Reducing Major CV Risks with New and Emerging Therapies

Over 73 million adults in the United States have hypercholesterolemia and are at elevated risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a primary mediator of the development of heart disease and plays a key role in determining cardiovascular risk and overall health management. Early and aggressive lowering of LDL-C reduces the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and every 1.0 mmol/L reduction in LDL-C is estimated to lead to ~20% reduction in the relative risk of major cardiovascular events. Statins are the mainstay of hypercholesterolemia management, but many patients do not tolerate statin-based treatment, which ultimately leads to medication nonadherence, ASCVD events, and higher healthcare costs. On the other hand, some patients, including those with pre-existing ASCVD or severe hypercholesterolemia, do not reach recommended LDL-C treatment targets despite intensive statin therapy. Non-statin agents can be useful for patients who inadequately respond to or are intolerant of statin therapy. Fortunately for patients with high LDL-C, several new treatments have recently become available as an adjunct or instead of statin therapies. These options, including agents that inhibit production of PCSK9, that have shown improved efficacy and safety, offering patients the potential for improved outcomes and quality of life.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

The Latest Evidence on Emerging Therapies and Innovations in PAH Management

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disorder characterized by vascular remodeling of the pulmonary arteries which carry blood from the heart to the lungs. For those with PAH, the muscles within the arterial walls tighten, which can cause thickening and/or scar tissue to develop, increasingly narrowing their diameter. This leads to a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance that leads to right ventricular failure and significant morbidity and mortality. Over time, the heart muscle can become so weakened that its ability to pump enough blood through the body is lost, leading to heart failure. The estimated prevalence is between 15 and 50 cases per million individuals and about half of people diagnosed with PAH will not live past five years, while those with untreated PAH have an average survival expectancy of approximately three years following diagnosis – and even with aggressive management, PAH has a 15% annual mortality rate.

There continue to be significant challenges in identifying and diagnosing PAH because it requires a combination of information based on symptoms, a physician examination, risk factors, and other findings based on previous tests. Evaluation to detect the presence of PAH requires a comprehensive set of tests, which typically include laboratory testing, echocardiography, pulmonary function testing, assessment of exercise capacity with six-minute walk distance or cardiopulmonary exercising testing, imaging, nocturnal oximetry and/or overnight polysomnography, and right heart catheterization. These extensive tests are crucial in determining the severity of PAH and the appropriate treatment strategies for patients on an individual basis, driven by a provider’s knowledge of each patient’s specific needs.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

New Developments in the Treatment and Management of Heart Failure: Managed Care Considerations on the Role of New and Emerging Therapies

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the United States, and the prognosis for patients with heart failure has traditionally been poor. Projections show that by 2030, the prevalence of heart failure will increase 46 percent from recent estimates. HF is the reason for more than 1 million hospitalizations per year and an estimated $31 billion in costs in the U.S. each year. While recent efforts have focused on improving the outlook for patients with chronic heart failure, mortality and morbidity following admission for heart failure remain significant. Fortunately for patients with HF, new and emerging therapeutic options have entered the treatment paradigm recently, including SGLT2 inhibitors, showing the ability to improve clinical and economic outcomes for the patient and system, which makes it imperative to update medical directors, practicing physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals on recent clinical data and recommendation updates regarding these new therapy options.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

New Frontiers in the Treatment and Management of Heart Failure: A Closer Look at the Role of Emerging Therapies is a two-part webinar series

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the United States, and the prognosis for patients with heart failure has traditionally been poor. Projections show that by 2030, the prevalence of heart failure will increase 46 percent from recent estimates. HF is the reason for more than 1 million hospitalizations per year and an estimated $31 billion in costs in the U.S. each year. Fortunately for patients with HF, new and emerging therapeutic options have improved both clinical and economic outcomes for these patients and the system.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

New Frontiers in the Treatment and Management of Heart Failure: A Closer Look at the Role of New Therapies

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the United States, and the prognosis for patients with heart failure has traditionally been poor. Projections show that by 2030, the prevalence of heart failure will increase 46 percent from recent estimates. HF is the reason for more than 1 million hospitalizations per year and an estimated $31 billion in costs in the U.S. each year. Fortunately for patients with HF, new and emerging therapeutic options have improved both clinical and economic outcomes for these patients and the system.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

Recent Advances in the Treatment and Management of Heart Failure: Managed Care Considerations on New and Emerging Therapies

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the United States, and the prognosis for patients with heart failure has traditionally been poor. Projections show that by 2030, the prevalence of heart failure will increase 46 percent from recent estimates. HF is the reason for more than 1 million hospitalizations per year and an estimated $31 billion in costs in the U.S. each year. Fortunately for patients with HF, new and emerging therapeutic options have improved both clinical and economic outcomes for these patients and the system.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

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Diabetes

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Infectious Disease

Best Practices in the Treatment and Management of HIV: An In-Depth Look at ART Decision Making Strategies for Optimized Clinical and Economic Outcomes

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that causes HIV infection and over time acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. HIV infects vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. HIV infection leads to low levels of CD4+T cells through a number of specific mechanisms. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The CDC estimates that 1,218,400 persons in the United States aged 13 years and older are living with HIV infection. Additionally, an estimated 15,815 people died from HIV and AIDS in 2021. Fortunately for patients with HIV, several new therapies have become available over the past year, including long-acting injectable therapies and options for heavily treatment experienced (HTE) patients.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Patient-Focused Treatment Decisions in the Management of HIV: Individualizing ART Decision Making for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that causes HIV infection and over time acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. HIV infects vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. HIV infection leads to low levels of CD4+T cells through a number of specific mechanisms. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The CDC estimates that 1,218,400 persons in the United States aged 13 years and older are living with HIV infection. Additionally, an estimated 6,955 people died from HIV and AIDS in 2018. Fortunately for patients with HIV, several new therapies have become available over the past few years, and more are set to become available soon. This activity is designed to address the challenge of individualizing HIV care with current treatment guidelines and recent clinical data, emerging therapy options and combinations, strategies for newly diagnosed patients and strategies for switching therapy for virally-suppressed patients, identifying patients who would benefit from treatment alteration, the role of newer combination regimens, cost optimization for HIV therapies, emerging therapies for heavily treatment-experienced adults, patient adherence strategies, and then explain how to apply them to the optimal care of a wide variety of HIV patients.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

Managing the Cost of C. difficile Infection with Novel Therapies: Best Practices in Managed Care for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

The epidemiology and incidence of hospital- and community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has changed over the past decade resulting in increased cases of initial and recurrent infection. Up to 25% of patients with an initial episode of CDI experience disease recurrence. Recurrent CDI is particularly challenging to manage.

This webcast series will provide education on reducing the risk of recurrence, patient-specific risk factors for recurrent CDI, recommended and emerging treatments for recurrent CDI, and managed care considerations around the prevention and management of rCDI.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to November 1, 2023

A Closer Look at the Prevention and Management of C. difficile Infection and Recurrence: Expert Perspectives for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

The epidemiology and incidence of hospital- and community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has changed over the past decade resulting in increased cases of initial and recurrent infection. Up to 25% of patients with an initial episode of CDI experience disease recurrence. Recurrent CDI is particularly challenging to manage.

This webcast series will provide education on reducing the risk of recurrence, patient-specific risk factors for recurrent CDI, recommended and emerging treatments for recurrent CDI, and managed care considerations around the prevention and management of rCDI.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to November 1, 2023

Managing the Cost of C. difficile Infection and Recurrence with Novel Therapies: Best Practices in Managed Care for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

The epidemiology and incidence of hospital- and community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has changed over the past decade resulting in increased cases of initial and recurrent infection. Up to 25% of patients with an initial episode of CDI experience disease recurrence. Recurrent CDI is particularly challenging to manage.

This webcast series will provide education on reducing the risk of recurrence, patient-specific risk factors for recurrent CDI, recommended and emerging treatments for recurrent CDI, and managed care considerations around the prevention and management of rCDI.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to November 1, 2023

A New Era in the Prevention and Management of CMV Infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a frequent complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients. In addition to causing a variety of end-organ diseases, CMV infection is also associated with rejection after SOT and with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after HSCT. Antiviral prophylaxis is effective against direct and indirect effects of CMV infection. Preemptive therapy, more commonly used after HSCT, is based on surveillance, and targets therapy to patients at highest risk. Novel antiviral therapies with different mechanisms of action have recently become available giving healthcare professionals new options in the management of this infection. This program will take a look at those advances and provide up to date strategies for the management of CMV infection.

This webinar series on the evolving role of novel therapies in CMV infection management will take a close look at recent guideline updates, clinical data, and strategies for the prevention and management of CMV.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to September 1, 2023

Recent Advances in the Prevention and Management of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection in Transplant Recipients: Managed Care Considerations for Improved Outcomes

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a frequent complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients. In addition to causing a variety of end-organ diseases, CMV infection is also associated with rejection after SOT and with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after HSCT. Antiviral prophylaxis is effective against direct and indirect effects of CMV infection. Preemptive therapy, more commonly used after HSCT, is based on surveillance, and targets therapy to patients at highest risk. Novel antiviral therapies with different mechanisms of action have recently become available giving healthcare professionals new options in the management of this infection. This program will take a look at those advances and provide up to date strategies for the management of CMV infection.

This webinar series on the evolving role of novel therapies in CMV infection management will take a close look at recent guideline updates, clinical data, and strategies for the prevention and management of CMV.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to September 1, 2023

A New Era in the Prevention and Management of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection in Transplant Recipients: Assessing the Evidence in Real-World Applications

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a frequent complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients. In addition to causing a variety of end-organ diseases, CMV infection is also associated with rejection after SOT and with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after HSCT. Antiviral prophylaxis is effective against direct and indirect effects of CMV infection. Preemptive therapy, more commonly used after HSCT, is based on surveillance, and targets therapy to patients at highest risk. Novel antiviral therapies with different mechanisms of action have recently become available giving healthcare professionals new options in the management of this infection. This program will take a look at those advances and provide up to date strategies for the management of CMV infection.

This webinar series on the evolving role of novel therapies in CMV infection management will take a close look at recent guideline updates, clinical data, and strategies for the prevention and management of CMV.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to September 1, 2023

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Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology

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Neurological

Navigating an Increasingly Complex Treatment Paradigm in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Key Considerations in Managed Care Decision-Making

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease. It is the most common neurological cause of disability among young adults, with a prevalence of approximately 1 million cases throughout the United States, and every week around 200 people are diagnosed with the disease. Although there is still no cure for MS, many advances in MS treatment have arrived in recent years, allowing patients to manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life. A number of factors must be considered when selecting a treatment regimen for patients with MS, including variations in clinical and MRI evidence of disease. Over the past decade, there have been numerous revisions to MS diagnostic criteria and the development of multiple new and emerging therapies. While the explosion of these emerging therapies have shown the ability to improve outcomes and quality of life in patient’s MS, it makes staying current with best practices a challenge that must be overcome through education. New options showing improved efficacy, safety and deliverability have arrived and it is for this reason that medical directors, neurologists, practicing physicians, nurse case managers and other healthcare professionals must be updated on the current and emerging treatments and strategies in the management of MS.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2024

Advances in the Management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Tailoring Treatment and Care Approaches to Improve Outcomes

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive skeletal muscle hypotonia affecting a person’s voluntary movements. This disorder is caused by an abnormal or missing gene known as the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1), which is responsible for the production of a protein essential to motor neurons. Without this protein, lower motor neurons in the spinal cord degenerate and die. The most common symptom is symmetric and progressive muscle weakness. SMA is the second most common autosomal recessive disorder worldwide and the most common cause of infant mortality, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 10,000 live births and estimated prevalence of 1 to 2 per 100,000 persons. Treating and managing spinal muscular atrophy requires a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. There are two main approaches to treat SMA once a diagnosis for has been made, and these include SMN2 modulators and SMN1 gene therapy. SMN2 modulators alter SMN2 messenger RNA to transcribe exon 7 and produce a full-length SMN protein, and SMN1 gene therapy delivers the SMN1 gene directly to DNA via a viral vector. Currently, these treatments help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. The arrival of disease-modifying therapies has made a major impact on the prognosis for patients with SMA. Although there is no clear cure, there are current and emerging treatment options that can be tailored to patients to improve their outcomes and pave the way for achieving treatment goals.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Evolving Considerations in the Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Implementing Expert Switching and Sequencing Strategies

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease. It is the most common neurological cause of disability among young adults, with a prevalence of approximately 1 million cases throughout the United States, and every week around 200 people are diagnosed with the disease. Although there is still no cure for MS, many advances in MS treatment have arrived in recent years, allowing patients to manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life. A number of factors must be considered when selecting a treatment regimen for patients with MS, including variations in clinical and MRI evidence of disease. Over the past decade, there have been numerous revisions to MS diagnostic criteria and the development of multiple new and emerging therapies. While the explosion of these emerging therapies have shown the ability to improve outcomes and quality of life in patient’s MS, it makes staying current with best practices a challenge that must be overcome through education. New options showing improved efficacy, safety and deliverability have arrived and this program will update participants on all of the latest advances in MS treatment and management.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Recent Advances in the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. An estimated 20,000 people in the United States are living with ALS. It is a progressive disease in which the motor neurons eventually die. Mortality is usually the result of respiratory failure. Although most patients with ALS die within 3 to 5 years after symptoms first appear, about 20% of patients with ALS will live 5 years, 10% will live 10 years, and about 5% will live 20 years or more. Currently, there is no cure for ALS. Fortunately for patients with ALS, the treatment paradigm has expanded in recent years, and more options are on the horizon, giving medical directors and clinicians many more options in improving survival benefit, managing symptoms and delaying progression in the ALS patient population.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Optimizing Management Decisions in Insomnia: Evidence-based Treatments to Improve Outcomes

Insomnia is a sleep disorder which makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. This can affect a person’s sleep so much that they still feel tired after they wake up. Insomnia can also make patients feel that they are the only one still awake while the rest of the world sleeps. It can sap your energy level, affects your mood, and causes stress with your health, work performance and quality of life. The dangers of insomnia can affect more than just a person’s mood and if not treated properly can lead to other effects such as anxiety, depression, irritability, concentration problems, memory problems, poor immune system function, and reduced reaction time. Many adults experience acute insomnia, which can last for days or weeks and is usually the result of stress or a traumatic event in one’s life. There are some people that experience chronic insomnia which is long term and can lasts for a month or more. There are 60 million Americans affected by the disease. About 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia each year with around 10% experiencing chronic insomnia.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to August 1, 2023

New Evidence in Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Management: Meeting the Challenge to Provide Optimal Treatment

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common complaint in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and narcolepsy. Consequences of EDS include decreased cognitive functioning, work productivity, and quality of life, and increased risk for occupational and motor vehicle accidents. When factors such as treatment adherence, medications, comorbid illness, and inadequate sleep duration are controlled for, EDS is still reported in up to 6% to 18% of people treated for sleep disorders, with EDS being a persistent symptom. For most people, mild sleepiness is apparent only during boring, sedentary situations, however patients with narcolepsy, severe EDS, lead to involuntary somnolence during regular activities that could put the patient and others in a harmful situation, such as driving, eating, or talking.

Narcolepsy and OSA can interfere with psychological, social, and cognitive function and development and can inhibit academic, work, and social activities. With the potential danger surrounding narcoleptic patients, it is important for clinicians to understand and identify major sleep disorders and the best methods to diagnose and treat them. Greater awareness of sleep disorders and its symptoms can help accurately and efficiently diagnosis the disease. As research continues to grow, better treatments for narcolepsy are becoming available. Sleep studies are an essential part of the evaluation and diagnosis of patients with narcolepsy. While in most instances imaging studies do not give an accurate picture of what is going on, a few studies done with an MRI can show structural abnormalities of the brain that will help show what may be the underlying cause of the sleep disorder. Symptoms can include EDS, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, but cataplexy is the most specific symptom and occurs in almost no other diseases. The combination of an overnight polysomnogram (PSG) followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) can provide the proper evidence of narcolepsy while excluding other sleep disorders.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

Best Practices in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Optimizing Clinical and Economic Outcomes in an Evolving Treatment Paradigm

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease. It is the most common neurological cause of disability among young adults, with a prevalence of approximately 400,000 cases throughout the United States, and every week around 200 people are diagnosed with the disease. Although there is still no cure for MS, many advances in MS treatment have arrived in recent years, allowing patients to manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life. A number of factors must be considered when selecting a treatment regimen for patients with MS, including variations in clinical and MRI evidence of disease. Over the past decade, there have been numerous revisions to MS diagnostic criteria and the development of multiple new and emerging therapies. While the explosion of these emerging therapies have shown the ability to improve outcomes and quality of life in patient’s MS, it makes staying current with best practices a challenge that must be overcome through education. New options showing improved efficacy, safety and deliverability have recently been approved, which will change the treatment paradigm, and it is for this reason that medical directors, practicing physicians, nurse case managers and other healthcare professionals must be updated on emerging treatments and strategies in the management of relapsing MS.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

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Ophthalmology

Navigate to:  Preventive Health & Lifestyle Medicine | Behavioral Health | Chronic Illness: Autoimmune,  Cardiovascular,  Diabetes, Infectious Disease,  Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology,  Neurological,  Ophthalmology,  Pulmonary, Urology , Additional Topics

Pulmonary

Best Practices in the Treatment and Management of Cystic Fibrosis: Managed Care Perspectives on the Role of New Therapies

Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as mucoviscidosis, is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine. While newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) has led to greater recognition of disease, patients with CF continue to experience severe disease complications and high rates of health care resource utilization. Patients with CF require lifelong, daily prophylactic regimens to prevent exacerbations and improve disease symptoms to maintain lung function. However, CF treatment is shifting from symptomatic management to targeting the underlying CFTR mutations to manage disease progression and prevent recurring complications associated with CF. Managed care professionals have a significant role in informing patients with CF and caregivers about these available and emerging treatment interventions and ensuring access to therapies. Through member surveys, interviews, outcome reports and past conference evaluations, NAMCP has seen a great need for more education on the newer treatments in CF. It is critical to provide medical directors, practicing physicians, nurse case managers and other healthcare professionals on the updated treatment paradigm and management strategies in CF.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Navigate to:  Preventive Health & Lifestyle Medicine | Behavioral Health | Chronic Illness: Autoimmune,  Cardiovascular,  Diabetes, Infectious Disease,  Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology,  Neurological,  Ophthalmology,  Pulmonary, Urology , Additional Topics

Urology

Innovative Approaches in the Management of Overactive Bladder (OAB): Managed Care Strategies for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition that approximately 17% of women and 16% of men over 18 suffer from, that’s an estimated 33 million people; however the numbers may be higher due to undiagnosed cases. OAB occurs about twice as frequently in women as in men, and while OAB is not considered a normal part of aging, it does become more prevalent with advanced age. OAB has a significant impact on quality of life (QoL), co-morbidities and cost; sufferers are two to three times more likely to experience disturbed sleep, overeating, poor self-esteem, and depression. This activity will discuss important information regarding the consequences and clinical, societal, and economic burden of underdiagnosed and mismanaged overactive bladder, available data around the optimal cost and efficacy data around treatments and their side-effects, updates on the treatment of NDO in pediatric patients, payer challenges and strategies to achieve optimal cost management and strategies for individualized therapy and improved patient adherence. Attendees will leave with ability to optimize the management of OAB and improve patient adherence and will be able to use that knowledge to educate their staff and colleagues, which will ultimately increase organizational quality and, most importantly, improve outcomes and quality of life in patients with overactive bladder.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Challenges and Opportunities in Overactive Bladder Care: A Framework to Optimize Outcomes

This activity is intended for urologists, primary care physicians, and obstetricians/gynecologists.
The goal of this activity is that learners will be better able to remain current on key evidence when making clinical decisions regarding the use of pharmacotherapy in the management of OAB.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will:

Have increased knowledge regarding the:

• Burden of adverse effects associated with anticholinergic therapy in patients with OAB
• Role of beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists in the management of OAB
• Unmet needs surrounding the pharmacoeconomics of medications used to treat OAB

Demonstrate greater confidence in their ability to:

• Appropriately manage patients with OAB

Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to September 29, 2023

Navigate to:  Preventive Health & Lifestyle Medicine | Behavioral Health | Chronic Illness: Autoimmune,  Cardiovascular,  Diabetes, Infectious Disease,  Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology,  Neurological,  Ophthalmology,  Pulmonary, Urology , Additional Topics

Additional Topics

Novel Approaches to Treating and Managing Menopause:
Expanding Options to Improve Outcomes

Menopause is a routine, non-pathologic condition involving the permanent cessation of menses for at least 12 months and occurs in all menstruating females due to non-pathologic estrogen deficiency. In the United States, approximately 1.3 million women become menopausal each year. It typically begins between the ages of 51 and 52, although some women experience premature menopause before the age of 40, due to permanent ovarian failure that may be associated with sex chromosome abnormalities. Menopause symptoms vary, but 75% of women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS). This activity will look at the management of menopause and stresses the role of a multidisciplinary team approach to care for patients. Even though menopause is a physiological condition and not a disease, it has significant morbidity. Attendees will also be educated on the physiology of menopause and discuss ways on how to improve outcomes for patients who are not able to tolerate the symptoms. With new options coming out soon, it is important to continue the conversation and educate on the current options available as well as the options that will be available soon.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Evolving Treatment Strategies in the Management of Hyperkalemia: Managed Care Considerations for Improved Clinical and Economic Outcomes

Hyperkalemia, also known has high potassium, is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L with levels above 5.5 mmol/L defined as hyperkalemia. Typically, this results in no symptoms, but occasionally when severe it results in palpitations, muscle pain, muscle weakness, or numbness. Decreased kidney function is a major cause of hyperkalemia, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and heart failure. Chronic hyperkalemia is a challenging clinical problem associated with increased mortality in patients with CKD and HF. The risk of hyperkalemia is also a limiting factor in using renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes. Hyperkalemia occurs in up to 10% of hospitalized patients and is associated increased morbidity if left unaddressed. Fortunately for patients who experience hyperkalemia, new therapies have become available in recent years that have shown improved efficacy and safety in lowering potassium levels and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, some of these options have shown the ability in recent clinical trials to reduce arrhythmia-related cardiovascular outcomes in patients’ hyperkalemia.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to March 1, 2024

Preparing for a New Era in Chronic Cough Management: Managed Care Considerations on the Role of New and Emerging Therapies is a two-part webinar series

Chronic cough, which is observed in approximately 12% of the US population, is defined as a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. Patients with chronic cough are often distressed by the condition, which can lead to depression, anxiety, a decline in quality of life, and changes to their social activities. The diagnosis and management of chronic cough can be challenging, with only approximately 50% of patients receiving a diagnosis. Recent advances have been made in the understanding and management of refractory chronic cough, with several novel therapies being evaluated in ongoing clinical studies.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

Preparing for a New Era in Chronic Cough Management: Managed Care Considerations on the Role of New and Emerging Therapies

Chronic cough, which is observed in approximately 12% of the US population, is defined as a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. Patients with chronic cough are often distressed by the condition, which can lead to depression, anxiety, a decline in quality of life, and changes to their social activities. The diagnosis and management of chronic cough can be challenging, with only approximately 50% of patients receiving a diagnosis. Recent advances have been made in the understanding and management of refractory chronic cough, with several novel therapies being evaluated in ongoing clinical studies.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023

Preparing for a New Era in Chronic Cough Management: A Closer Look at the Role of New and Emerging Therapies

Chronic cough, which is observed in approximately 12% of the US population, is defined as a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. Patients with chronic cough are often distressed by the condition, which can lead to depression, anxiety, a decline in quality of life, and changes to their social activities. The diagnosis and management of chronic cough can be challenging, with only approximately 50% of patients receiving a diagnosis. Recent advances have been made in the understanding and management of refractory chronic cough, with several novel therapies being evaluated in ongoing clinical studies.
Physician, Nursing and CMCN credits valid to June 1, 2023