Managing Psoriasis
Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune condition in the US, affecting 7.5 million people. It is a complex, genetically linked disease; 1 in every 3 patients with psoriasis has a relative with the condition. The human and economic tolls are significant. Patients with psoriasis have lower quality of life scores, along with increased occurrences of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. In the US, more than $63 million is spent annually in direct healthcare costs for psoriasis... Read More »
Medication Adherence: A Critical Component of Healthcare
Of the 3.8 billion prescriptions dispensed in the US each year, half are not taken as prescribed. Medication nonadherence is a global healthcare problem that is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of rising health care costs and poor health outcomes (eg, disease progression). One- to two-thirds of medication related hospital admissions in the US result from nonadherence. In addition, as many as 25% of nursing home admissions may be due to medication nonadherence. Avoidable healthcare costs attributed to nonadherence range from $100 billion to $300 billion each year.... Read More »
Hypertension Update 2018
Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. According to a recent update from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 30% of adults in the US have hypertension. The rate of hypertension is similar among women (28%) and men (30%). It is more common among US non-hispanic black adults than any other ethnicity. Within age groups, the incidence ranges from 7.5% among adults 18-39 years old to 63% in those age 60 and older. Of concern is that hypertension control has not been improving. In 2015-2016, only 48% of adults with hypertension had achieved control which, at the time, was considered blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg.... Read More »
