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Chronic Illness
CME Online
The newest CME presentations
are at the top of this page.
Those nearing expiration are nearer the bottom of the page.
| Business/Practice Management | Preventive Health & Lifestyle Medicine | Chronic Illness |
| Behavioral Health | Oncology | Genomics, Biotech & Emerging Medical Technologies |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Cardiovascular |
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Hypertension: A Review and Update of
Guidelines and Best Practices:
Focus on Treatment of the Elderly Hypertensive |
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The Importance of Stroke Prevention in
the Management of Atrial Fibrillation |
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Reducing the Economic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation through Early
Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management |
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Hyperlipidemia: The Silent CVD Risk
Factor with an Enormous Impact Hyperlipidemia often goes unnoticed or undiagnosed, as it does not cause symptoms and people are unaware that their levels are too high. Because of the lack of symptoms, it is recommended that everyone 20 years and older should have their cholesterol measured at least every five years. This is done to monitor any changes, take preventive actions to reduce the risk of heart disease and begin lifestyle changes, which are often coupled with pharmacological treatment, to lower cholesterol if necessary. The primary treatment of hyperlipidemia includes therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC), which involves a specific diet, physical activity and weight management. This is often coupled with cholesterol-lowering medication to reach an overall goal to lower one’s LDL level (bad cholesterol) enough to reduce the risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. CME Valid to September 30, 2012 |
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Optimizing the Prevention and
Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop deep in the veins (most often within the legs or pelvic area). Once those clots have developed, if a breakage occurs and becomes loose (embolus) the clot travels through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary artery (within the lungs), obstructing blood flow. This blockage is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and together, DVT and PE are known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), a condition which can onset suddenly and is potentially fatal. Deep Vein Thrombosis alone occurs in about 2 million Americans each year, accounting for up to 600,000 DVT hospitalizations. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths per year, with majority of those occurring from the onset of DVT. Together, Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in about 600,000 cases per year, with a large portion of those cases being diagnosed upon conclusion of an autopsy. The key to preventing DVT, PE and ultimately VTE is early recognition and diagnosis, along with correct prophylaxis and treatment by physicians and nurses. Not only must higher risk patients adhere to taking preventative actions, but with the high incidence VTE developing from long hospitalizations and/or following a major surgery, hospitals must also administer and educate patients on preventative steps to take for reducing VTE risk. Yet, according to a U.S. multi-center study, 58% of patients who developed DVT while in the hospital did not receive any type of preventative treatment, regardless of the presence of multiple risk factors. For those untreated patients that develop a Pulmonary Embolism, about 26% will result in death, yet fatal PE is one of the most preventable cause of hospitals deaths throughout the United States. With those thoughts in mind, it is critical that medical directors, practicing physicians and nurses are updated and educated about the correct diagnosis and prophylaxis of DVT/VTE. CME Valid to July 25, 2012 |
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Diagnosis and Treatment in the
Management
of Acute Coronary Syndrome ACS is diagnosed based upon a physical exam, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood tests. Additional tests may be ordered based upon the results of the ECG and blood tests. Treatments vary depending on signs, symptoms and health condition. Many symptoms are the same as those of a heart attack, and if ACS isn’t treated quickly, the patient will have a heart attack. Therapies for ACS are continually evolving. This activity will provide medical directors, nurses, practicing physicians and clinicians with the key issues and strategies to manage patients with ACS appropriately. CME Valid to July 25, 2012 |
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Managed Care’s Role of Stroke
Prevention and Anticoagulation in Managing Atrial Fibrillation
Patients Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, which currently affects an estimated 2.2 million adults in the United States and nearly half a million new patients are being diagnosed each year. Atrial Fibrillation is obviously having an enormous impact on both healthcare costs and patient outcomes. With such high risk associated with strokes and heart complications, it is imperative for providers and patients alike, to not only be aware of the risk factors, but understand that each individual’s treatment needs may vary, depending on their medical history. With that in mind, Medical Directors, Nurses and Healthcare Executives overseeing the guideline and procedure process for direct patient care, must be informed about the latest preventative strategies to eliminate/reduce the risk factors leading to and comorbidities of AF, consider more efficient ways of delivering care and increase physician/patient communication to lead to hospitalization reduction, and analyze the current treatment options available to patients with Atrial Fibrillation. CME Valid to July 1, 2012 |
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Reducing the Economic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation through Early Diagnosis and Proper
Therapeutic Management Affecting up to 2.2 million people in the United States, Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the risk of AF increases with age and in people who smoke or use stimulant drugs (including caffeine). People with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, high blood pressure, previous cardiovascular conditions/events, and other heart and lung diseases are also at a higher risk for AF. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that mortality rates associated with AF have increased from 27.6 per 100,000 Americans in 1980 to 69.8 deaths per 100,000 in 1998. Atrial Fibrillation is having an enormous impact on both healthcare costs and patient outcomes. Providers and patients alike need to be aware of the risk factors and understand that each individual’s treatment needs may vary depending on their medical history. Informing medical directors, nurses, and physicians about the available and emerging pharmacotherapeutic management strategies will ultimately improve patient outcomes and reduce the occurrence of serious complications from AF, thereby reducing hospitalizations and overall costs. CME Valid to June 1, 2012 |
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Challenges in Hypertension One telling statistic from the National Health and Nutrition Survey revealed that only 34% of all adults with hypertension had their blood pressure under control. This data reflects a National High Blood Pressure Education Program effort of 35 years’ duration. From the earliest of the multicenter trials and from public health records it has been shown that if blood pressure can be effectively controlled, deaths from stroke and coronary heart disease can be reduced by more than 72% and 55%, respectively, and deaths from hypertensive emergencies can be prevented. With that in mind, healthcare providers must be keenly aware of the treatment updates regarding hypertension, and how they can improve patient compliance. CME Valid to March 15, 2012 |
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Management of Lipid Disorders: Current &
Future Treatments Options Upwards of 100 million Americans over the age of 20 are thought to have high blood cholesterol levels which have led to lipid problems and disorders. Of those, only about 35% of patients are currently being treated with lipid therapies and many are not reaching their target levels. It is important for patients to manage and control any cholesterol related problems, as untreated patients are at higher risk for atherosclerosis, stroke, diabetes and/or developing cardiovascular disease, the single leading cause of death and disability in the United States. While a large part of lipid management is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reaching recommended levels often times involves additional therapies and treatment options. There are many different treatment options, both now and in the future, for patients with varying risk factors in lipid management, so it is crucial to provide medical directors, practicing physicians and nurses with the latest information surrounding these treatments. Prevention should also be a primary goal with regards to lipid disorders, and this session will discuss how medical directors and practicing physicians should communicate the importance of prevention with their staff and patients. CME Valid to June, 30, 2012 |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Diabetes |
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Updates in Diabetes |
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Advances in the Management of Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus:
Integrating New Therapies to Improve Patient Outcomes |
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Updates and Controversies in Diabetes
Care The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that more than 20 million people in the United States, or 7 percent of the population, have diabetes, and that one in three Americans born in 2010 will develop diabetes sometime during their lifetime. Despite numerous treatment approaches and pharmacologic agents, the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes remains a major clinical challenge as a large proportion of patients still do not achieve optimal glycemic control. Medical Directors, practicing physicians and nurse case managers need to be educated on ways to improve this public health burden related to the sub-optimal management of type 2 diabetes. They need to learn about strategies designed to help clinicians overcome these barriers associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and this includes several breakthrough treatments that have, or will have, the ability to simplify the management of Type 2 Diabetes. CME Valid to September 30, 2012 |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Infectious Disease |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology |
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Fibromyalgia: Improving Diagnostic &
Treatment Strategies for Better Patient Outcomes Effective management of FM is imperative to improve quality of life for patients suffering from the disease. Due to the ambiguity of symptoms, emerging evidence on the pathophysiology of pain, and the changing scope of pharmacological treatments, clinicians are being challenged to diagnose and provide long-term treatment for an illness of which our understanding is evolving. There continues to be inadequate training for physicians and nurses, which is why it is imperative to educate the medical directors, nurse case managers, and other healthcare professionals about the newest advances in treatment, diagnosis, and updated guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. CME Valid to October 31, 2012 |
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Advanced Treatment of Osteoporosis
in Post Menopausal Women Postmenopausal women are of special concern for osteoporosis and related fractures. Due to a decrease and eventual lack of estrogen during and after menopause, bone resorption occurs at a faster rate than bone development. In the first several years after menopause, women can lose as much as 20% of their bone mass. Because of this and the fact that there are usually no symptoms of the developing disease, prevention, early detection, and treatment are extremely important in deterring osteoporotic fractures. Treatment options for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, hormone modulators, and protein-destroying antibodies. Until recently, bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, and hormone modulators were the only options for treatment. However, some patients cannot take bisphosphonates due to allergic reactions, an inability to tolerate side effects, or low-functioning kidneys. For these special populations, new treatment options are offering an effective alternative to preventative therapy. CME Valid to October 31, 2012 |
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Treatment Strategies in Rheumatoid Arthritis The cost implications of rheumatoid arthritis are high since people with RA are six times more likely to incur medical charges from hospitalizations, physician office visits, and outpatient visits. RA patients are also more likely to change jobs, reduce their work hours, lose their job, retire early, and/or be unable to find employment. Due to its chronic and painful nature, RA is known to cause such side effects as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. Frequently observed comorbidities associated with RA include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, and respiratory diseases. Studies have shown that early and aggressive treatment has decreased co morbidities and improved patient outcomes, thus decreasing the overall cost in managing RA patients for everyone involved. Patient outcomes can be improved through early diagnosis and aggressive treatments, which are imperative to maintaining and/or increasing mobility, thus decreasing the associated costs of comorbidities. CME Valid to September 30, 2012 |
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Decreasing the Lifetime Cost of RA by Improving Patient Outcomes Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1.293 million people in the United States over the age of 18. The cause is unknown but it appears that women are two to three times more likely to develop RA. While RA can begin at any age, it most often starts between 40 and 60. Genetics seem to be a risk factor, and smoking increases the risk. Co-morbidities include cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for approximately half of all RA deaths. Infections are also a primary cause of death, followed by lymph proliferative malignancies (i.e.: leukemia, multiple myeloma). The cost implications of Rheumatoid Arthritis are high since people with RA are six times more likely to incur medical charges. Costs incurred include hospitalization, physician office visits, and outpatient visits. Also RA patients are more likely to change jobs, reduce work hours, lose their job, retire early, and/or be unable to find employment. RA also is known to cause depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness. Patient outcomes can be improved through early diagnosis and aggressive treatments, which are imperative to maintaining/increasing mobility, thus decreasing the associated costs of co-morbidities. Other improvements can be made through surgery, as needed, and patient education on self-management, occupational and physical therapy to help mobility and preservation of self-reliance. CME Valid to August 31, 2012 |
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Optimizing Treatment and Costs in the
Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient outcomes can be improved through early diagnosis and aggressive treatments, which are imperative to maintaining/increasing mobility, thus decreasing the associated costs of comorbidities. Continuing education on these improved treatments is imperative to keep medical directors, clinicians, and nurses up to date on diagnostics, treatment and patient education programs for those suffering from RA. CME Valid to August 31, 2012 |
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Lessons Learned from Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia, a predominately centrally medicated chronic pain state, can be used to illustrate the advances that have been made in understanding and treating chronic pain. Because central chronic pain is caused by alterations in pain perception and modulation, therapy needs to target central nervous system neurotransmitters. Therapy with nonpharmacologic interventions also is necessary to manage the functional consequences of pain and psychological factors. CME Valid to July 25, 2012 |
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Advanced Treatment of Osteoporosis
in Postmenopausal Women In the first several years after menopause, women can lose as much as 20% of their bone mass. Because of this and the fact that there are usually no symptoms of the developing disease, prevention, early detection, and treatment are extremely important in deterring osteoporotic fractures. With new therapy options available, it is more important than ever to educate and update Medical Directors, nurses, and clinicians on the risks, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. This session at the Fall Managed Care Forum will review current and new treatments available for the management of osteoporosis. By presenting this information to medical professionals, patient outcomes will increase, thereby reducing future osteoporosis-related costs. CME Valid to March 15, 2012 |
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Decreasing the Cost Burden of
Fibromyalgia with Early Diagnosis and Management Much progress has been made in understanding FM, yet management of the condition continues to confound physicians and frustrate patients. The complex interactions between neurobiological, psychological, and functional/behavioral components of FM, as well as the poor response of patients to conventional pain therapies have proven particularly challenging. Research has shown that an early, aggressive multi-dimensional management program yields the most benefit to patients. It is imperative that medical directors, clinicians, nurses and all healthcare executives are educated on the best way to implement these diagnosis and treatment programs, which will ultimately reduce costs and, most importantly, improve patient outcomes. CME Valid to March 15, 2012 |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Neurological |
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The Importance of Treating Motor and
Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease |
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Improving MS Care: Perspectives from a
Medical Director and Pharmacy Director |
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Managing Multiple Sclerosis: Maximizing Diagnosis and Treatment to
Improve Patient Outcomes Effective and timely treatment of MS can greatly improve the quality of life. With the advancement and complexity of different treatment options, clinicians are being challenged to quickly diagnose MS and its corresponding symptoms, and provide the correct treatment options that are available to patients. It is critical the medical directors, clinicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are kept up to date on methods and advances in diagnosis, so they can quickly and properly administer the treatment necessary for each individual patient. It is imperative that managed care medical directors, nurses and administrators learn about these advances in treatment and how to integrate them into their respective plan or provider organizations. CME Valid to August 31, 2012 |
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Improving Patient Outcomes for the
Overactive Bladder Population Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a term that describes patients with frequency and urgency with or without urge incontinence. OAB affects approximately one out of eleven adults in the United States. It is very common in older adults and affects both men and women, but is more common in women. In OAB the detrusor muscle contracts more than normal and at inappropriate times. While there is no exact cause of OAB, possible causes include drug side effects, stroke, nerve damage, and neurological disease (muscular sclerosis, Parkinson’s, etc.). Treatment programs include behavioral therapy such as bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, and medications to relax the detrusor or prevent contraction of the bladder. In some cases neuromodulation (electrical stimulation) or surgery is an option. Treatment goal is to reduce/avoid incontinence problems and increase quality of life. OAB can cause depression, as affected patients may avoid social contact due to embarrassment. It is important to diagnose the cause of incontinence, if possible, in order to determine the best treatment program. Once diagnosed, treatment needs to include a patient education program regarding behavioral changes, such as bladder training and pelvic floor exercises. Managed care organizations need to provide patients (their members) with appropriate educational information. With this information patients can have the appropriate discussion with their primary care physician. By addressing patient education on diagnosis, and treatment programs, patient outcomes can be improved. CME Valid to July 31, 2012 |
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Optimizing Diagnosis & Treatment in the
Management of Multiple Sclerosis Currently treatment is focused on disease-modifying treatments, which helps lessen the frequency and severity of MS attacks, reduce lesions in the brain, and help slow or stop disability. At present time, only one-third to one-half of the 400,000 individuals in the US have received treatment with these disease-modifying agents. While this is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, disease-modifying treatments have greatly improved the quality of life for patients with MS. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people manage symptoms, which are highly variable from person to person. CME Valid to August 1, 2012 |
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Parkinson’s Disease 2010: How to Maintain Positive Patient Outcomes
& Decrease Lifetime Costs The cost implications of Parkinson’s Disease are high and becoming higher as the baby boomer generation enters their senior years. The variety of prescription drugs to treat the various symptoms of PD and those to treat the complications average approximately 300% higher than people without PD. Increased doctor visits are approximately 40% higher than non PD, and hospitalization stays are about 45% more, with a 19% longer stay on average than non PD. All of these expenses can add up to $75-$100,000 per patient in their lifetime. This adds up to billions of dollars per year of health care costs in the United States alone. CME Valid to June 30, 2012 |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Pain Management |
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Comparative Evaluation of Treatment
Guidelines for
Chronic Opioid Use in Non-malignant Pain Disorders This session will be based on the literature review project completed by the University of Utah regarding opioid utilization in connection with low back pain. The objective of the project is to define, compare and contrast evidence based guidelines, recent scientific papers and physician standards of care that focus on the unique aspects of primary care physicians for the utilization of opioid medications for non-malignant pain based on published guidelines found in the following sources: medical literature, medical specialty societies, state regulatory boards and federal professional credentialing organizations. CME Valid to September 30, 2012 |
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Undertreated Pain Epidemic: Multi
Modality
Approach to Pain Management Pain affects more Americans than Diabetes, Heart Disease and Cancer combined with reported estimates of over 76 million sufferers, resulting in a huge impact on societal and economic expenses (AAPM). With such high prevalence, so many varying underlying causes and degrees, along with additional implications associated with pain, the keys to improving the patient’s quality of life and decreasing the level of pain are appropriate initial assessment, identifying pharmacological and therapy approaches or a multi-modality combination approach for the individual, and interactive physician/patient/caregiver communication. During this session at the Spring Managed Care Forum, Medical Directors, Nurse Case Managers and Executives/Administrators from purchasers, plans, providers, hospital and health systems will be educated on the latest clinical advancements, learn to properly assess the patient’s pain and review updated clinical practice guidelines. From the information learned at this presentation, participants will inform providers within their population, adapt the concepts to their own behavior and within their population and provide patients who are suffering with a higher quality of care and best fit treatment options. Through strategy and behavioral changes, organizational quality should improve, but more importantly, patient outcomes will improve within their population. Additionally, through the implementation of best practices and increased physician/patient interaction, the costly expenses associated to untreated, undertreated and unrelieved pain will lessen within their population. CME Valid to September 30, 2012 |
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Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Infectious
Disease
Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology
Neurological
Pain
Management
Pulmonary |
Pulmonary |
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Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension 2011 Though relatively rare – affecting approximately six per one million people – PAH is a very serious, life threatening condition that worsens over time and for which there is no cure. Approximately 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. Associated treatment costs have risen with the expansion of treatment options, ranging from $18,000 to $244,000 annually per patient. Additionally, PAH often leads to the onset of co-morbidities associated with the disease, which not only puts the patient at higher risk but also increases the costs to the healthcare system. Early diagnosis and accurate classification are keys to managing costs, as incorrect classification can lead to inappropriate treatment decisions and unnecessary costs to the health care system. CME Valid to January 31, 2013 |
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Improving Outcomes and Reducing Costs
with ICS Monotherapy in the Management of Asthma Effective and timely treatment of asthma can both improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost when following these guidelines set forth by NAEPP and NIH. It is imperative that healthcare professionals are brought up to date on these shifting parameters regarding the classification and treatment of asthma patients, so that they can prescribe a treatment course that will both improve outcomes and lower healthcare system costs. This session will review recent studies and comparative effectiveness research to update physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals on the proper use of ICS monotherapies in the management of asthma. CME Valid to October 31, 2012 |
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Spirometry: Improving Patient Outcomes &
Reducing Overall Costs for COPD through Early Diagnosis & Annual
Assessment According to “The State of Health Care Quality 2010 – HEDIS Measure of Care” Spirometry is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD, however only one in three patients receive a Spirometry-based screening. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) states that Spirometry is needed to make a firm diagnosis of COPD. Annual health care costs for COPD are believed to be nearly $6,000 per patient. COPD is responsible for hospitalizations, emergency room visits and general physician outpatient treatments. Early detection of COPD can greatly improve long term cost by reducing early treatment and disease management. According to the GOLD guidelines, once diagnosed, it is important that patients receive annual Spirometry and other tests to assess which stage of COPD a patient may be in. CME Valid to October 31, 2012 |
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Asthma: Decreasing Exacerbations Through Improved Management Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes lungs to become inflamed and constricted, which causes wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, and coughing. Asthma cannot be cured, but can be controlled with long-term medications and quick control medication. Treatment goals are to prevent symptoms, reduce the need for quick relief medication, maintain lung function, maintain normal physical activity, and prevent asthma attacks that result in emergency room visits or hospitalization. Asthma affects more than 22 million people in the US, with children accounting for nearly six million of the twenty-two. The exact cause of asthma is unknown. Researchers believe it is a combination of factors interacting. These factors include genes, environmental exposures, and certain childhood respiratory infections. While not all people with asthma have allergies, most do, and keeping the allergens controlled in the home can help improve the chances of avoiding asthma attacks. CME Valid to March 15, 2012 |
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Cardiovascular Diabetes Infectious Disease Musculoskeltal/Rheumatology Neurological Pain Management Pulmonary |