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The Visiting Nurses Association of Kansas City (VNAKC) was recognized by the VNAA as this year’s winner of the “Innovative Partnership Award” for its partnership with Tria Health. About Tria Health & the VNAKC: In 2014, an in-home pharmacist grant was submitted with the objective to improve health outcomes by increasing medication education, lowering medication discrepancies and lowering re-hospitalization for Medicare patients with CHF, COPD, Diabetes and those patients taking 8 or more medications. A partnership was developed with UMKC School of Pharmacy to include the in-home pharmacist program as an option in the community rotation for senior level students. Tria Health was contracted by the VNAKC to provide preceptor and pharmacist supervision to the students. #MTM #VisitingNursesAssociationofKansasCity #TriaHealth #VNA #VisitingNursesAssociationofAmerica #MedicationTherapyManagement #clinicalpharmacist

As medication use continues to rise, generic alternative options are key to managing costs. This year will there are 3 big brand name medications going generic. #1. Crestor (rosuvastatin) Anticipated Generic Date: May 2016 Use: Cholesterol Importance: Highly favored statin therapy as it is considered “high-intensity” and is associated with less muscle pain/joint pain compared to other statins. #2. Benicar (olmesartan) Anticipated Generic Date: October 2016 Use: Blood Pressure Importance: Commonly used blood pressure medication, especially in people who have an “ACE cough” on another class of blood pressure medications. #3. Zetia (ezetimibe) Anticipated Generic Date: December 2016 Use: Cholesterol Importance: Common add-on therapy for those who need additional cholesterol lowering on statin therapy (or those who can’t tolerate statin therapy). Tria Health will keep you updated as these generic alternatives become available. If you have any questions, always speak with your health care provider or Tria Health Pharmacist regarding what medications are appropriate for you. #benicar #crestor #genericmedications #zetia

The National Business Group on Health held its 2016 Business Health Agenda Meeting in Washington, D.C. on March 2-4, 2016. This year focused on “Capitalizing on the Changing Health Care Delivery System” and the topics included ACOs, PCMHs, technology and delivery system transformations.  Throughout the conference, a common theme continued to remind me why I love being in the healthcare industry: a desire and commitment to improve quality and patient-outcomes for the healthcare system. Key Conference Takeaways: #1  Employers Value ACO Model & the Pharmacist Involvement in Patient Care Employers expect quality and are willing to pay for it in return for improved outcomes.  The measurement of outcomes can be managed and it is time that business principles be moved over to healthcare.  In high performing, physician-led ACO models, more than 50% patients are seen or referred to pharmacists as a part of the extended care team.  This contributed to reduced medical costs related to ER and inpatient visits. #2  Physician-led ACO Models Performing High Level The physician role in leading patient care is an essential element for providing holistic, collaborative care to produce quality and outcomes.  All healthcare constituents need to keep the eye on this ultimate goal.  Healthcare providers (pharmacists, nurses, care coordinators, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc.) all have value to add to the patient who is at the center of this care.  It is vitally important to focus on what the patient needs not what disease state product is provided. #3  Technology Drives Consumer Empowerment As healthcare costs and options continue to increase, patient empowerment is vital. When a patient is educated and understands their healthcare journey, they become more involved and accountable for following the recommendations given by their providers.  It is important that we find a way to use technology to drive patient engagement and education.  Patient empowerment is key to quality health outcomes. Jessica Lea, Pharm.D., MBA I had the honor of attending this conference to present with Cerner regarding its partnership with Tria Health. Our mission is to drive better outcomes for patients, and we are excited to help foster change in our healthcare system! Written by: Jessica Lea, Pharm.D., MBA President & CEO, Tria Health

Specialty: this buzz word is stirring up the health care industry. With everyone talking about these high dollar medications, we wanted to provide some education about how you can manage specialty costs. What are Specialty Drug Products? Specialty drug products are used to treat complex chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, Hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis. The Good News… These ground breaking therapies continue to make great advances for improved patient quality of life, better management of disease states, and in some cases, curing the disease altogether. And for employers, this means increased health care savings (due to lower medical claims) and improved productivity (due to better disease management). The Bad News… The expense associated with these diseases and therapies is significant, and causing sticker shock. The use of specialty drugs for employer groups is expected to quadruple by 2020. This leads us to the very popular questions surrounding specialty: How do we begin to swallow these large numbers associated with chronic care? What solutions are available to help with managing specialty costs? Effectively Managing Specialty Costs: Protecting your company’s investment in its chronic plan population begins with ensuring appropriate use of these high dollar medications. Two Key Components for Effective Specialty Management = #1  Prior Authorization: It is important to have strong clinical prior authorizations in place from your PBM to ensure that the right individual is getting the right drug. #2   Patient Education & Chronic Care Guidance: Provide your plan members with the necessary tools to reach the goals they need to achieve with those medications. Pharmacists are an excellent resource to assist with working with patients who are taking specialty medications.  Tria Health pharmacists are credentialed and trained to help with these types of situations. Jessica Lea, Pharm.D., MBA If you feel unprepared for the rising (and expensive) trend of specialty medications, let Tria Health help you implement a solution to reduce the cost and improve the efficacy of these expensive medications. Written by: Jessica Lea, Pharm.D., MBA President & CEO, Tria Health #ChronicCare #medicationmanagement #SpecialtyMedications

Each year, 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke. Today marks the American Heart Association’s 13th Annual National Wear Red Day, and Tria Health is joining the conversation because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Prevention is the key: There are a number of things that individuals can do to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. Know your blood pressure and seek treatment if it is elevated (greater than 140 over 90) Stop smoking – smoking doubles your risk of stroke Know your cholesterol levels and talk to your doctor if your total cholesterol is over 200 Manage exercise/diet – exercising five times per week and maintain a diet low in salt, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol Control alcohol use – excessive consumption of more than 2 drinks per day increases stroke risk Control diabetes – achieve blood sugar and HgA1C goals Identify and treat atrial fibrillation Recognize: If a stroke does occur, the most effective treatments must be initiated as soon as possible. Understanding the signs and symptoms of stroke allow you to seek medical attention immediately. The American Stroke Association has developed the following acronym to help patients recognize symptoms: F – Face:  Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A – Arms:  Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S – Speech:  Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T- Time:  If you observe any of the signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Note the time when the symptoms first appear.  There are FDA-approved medications that can be given within 3 hours of stroke onset that may reduce long-term disabilities associated with a stroke. Talk to your Tria Pharmacist or other health care provider regarding what you can do to prevent and recognize. For information about Tria Health, visit www.triahealth.com. Connect with Tria Health: #AmericanHeartAssociation #HeartDiseasePrevention #WearRedDay

Many people take some type of over the counter product on a daily basis and consider this a safe and natural way to treat or prevent disease.  In many cases this can be true, but “natural” supplements and vitamins can cause side effects and worsen conditions in some cases. Fish oil can be used to help lower triglycerides and reduce heart disease risk. However, this common supplement can also thin blood slightly and in some people actually raises their LDL, or bad cholesterol, too high.  Vitamin E, which many people take for its antioxidant properties, is similar to fish oil in that it too can effect platelet function and thin blood.  On their own this is usually not a problem, but when taken in combination with Aspirin, an antiplatelet medication like Clopidogrel (brand name: Plavix), or a blood thinner like Warfarin (brand name: Coumadin) this can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.  Sometimes this can even lead to severe bleeding issues. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding any herbal supplement or vitamin to your daily medication routine. #bloodthinners #FishOil #herbalsupplements #VitaminE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services have issued updated nutritional guidelines.  These guidelines are updated every 5 years and aim to reflect the latest science-based evidence about what we eat. Major changes from previous guidelines include: Added sugars should make up less than 10% of your diet. This does not include naturally-occurring sugars such as those found in milk or fruit. Saturated fats should account for less than 10% of your diet. Saturated fats include butter, whole milk, non-lean meats. Adults should consume less than 2300 mg of sodium (salt) per day. No specific restrictions on total fat intake, just limit saturated fats. The sugar and fat intake recommendations are highlighted in an effort to curb the rising incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  The best bet for healthy eating continues to follow the same pattern which includes incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. Access the full updated guidelines by visiting www.health.gov. #DietaryGuidelines #health #HealthyEating

Each year millions of us resolve to take better care of ourselves and families.  Often this is a resolution to eat better,  quit smoking,  be more consistent with medicines, or even lose weight to get off a medication or two.  Why not start the New Year with a clean medicine cabinet? Gather all your medications and supplements together, and follow these guidelines: Take stock of what you have and refill chronic medications you will soon need. Expired or rarely used medications should be thrown out. If you have not used the medication or supplement in the last 6 months and do not see a likely need for it in the next 6 months dispose of this too. For tips on proper disposal, check out these guidelines on the FDA’s website or visit disposemymeds.org. If possible, store all the medications together for ease of use and convenience. Pain medications or other controlled substances should be safely stored out of reach of children and other “curious” adults. You’ll be left with a cleaner, better organized, and smaller medication supply.  This will also reduce the likelihood you go out and buy more allergy medication when Spring rolls around; because you know you already have some! Happy New Year! #medicationmanagement #NewYearresolution #NewYearsResolution #TriaHealth

November kicks off a season filled with travel, food, fun and family. Celebrating the holidays can be challenging for people with diabetes. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy this holiday season! 1. Healthy & Tasty Recipes: Remember that the holiday meal is simply a meal, not a week long feast. Preplanning meals by following a recipe is an excellent way to control carbohydrate, fat, sodium content, and more. There are many healthy, yet tasty, recipes available online that meet dietary guidelines for people with diabetes. Make sure you have healthy snacks like fresh fruits readily available when hunger strikes. 2. Set Reminders for Testing Blood Sugar Holiday activities can interrupt your normal testing times. Don’t forget to monitor your blood sugar throughout the day. Phone reminders are a great way to preplan your testing times. Nothing is worse than realizing you’re out of testing supplies, so be proactive in obtaining refills and mindful of your pharmacy’s holiday hours. 3. Pack Extra Supplies & Medication Controlling your blood sugars can be more difficult during the holidays, so it is imperative to be adherent to your medications.  If you are planning on traveling, keep medicines, syringes, and blood sugar testing supplies in your carry-on rather than in checked luggage. It’s not uncommon to have a delayed flight or an airline losing your luggage. Get twice as many supplies as you usually need to travel. Identify pharmacies close to your destination in case you need a refill or an OTC product. 4. Stay Active The best way to compensate for eating a little more than usual is to be active during and after the holidays. Taking a walk with the whole family can be a great way to integrate physical activity with family time. Indoor activities are great alternatives for cold weather. Some examples include exercise tapes/DVDs, yoga, and gym workouts. 5. Self-reflection What’s your resolution for the upcoming year? The holidays are meant as a time to reflect. Slow down and catch up with your loved ones but focus on your own health as well. Identify what you’ve accomplished with your health and goals for the upcoming year. Tria Health wishes you and your family a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving! #healthymealplanning

Image Source: iStock.com/Weedezign Happy Thanksgiving from Tria Health! Watch our team members share the many reasons we’re thankful this year! #GivingThanks #Thanksgiving #TriaHealth

As American Pharmacists Month, October is a great time to remember why your pharmacist is a key player in the health care system and how they can help you. Pharmacists are Medication Experts Pharmacists are trained on a wide variety of different disease states, but our specialty focuses on the medications used to treat those disease states within your body. We understand how medications work and can identify medication interactions and problems, including those involving non-prescription medications. Pharmacists = Very Accessible Health Care Providers Pharmacists are often available when other health care providers are not, and most often do not require you to schedule an appointment to ask questions about your healthcare needs. Pharmacists Provide Much More than Medication Dispensing Aside from dispensing medications, pharmacists can provide excellent counselling services about all medications (including herbal supplements) and a variety of different health conditions. Pharmacists play a major role in monitoring or managing several chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight loss, and tobacco use. In fact, it has been proven that patients have better overall health outcomes if a pharmacist is involved on their healthcare team. Pharmacists Help Ensure Your Meds are Safe, Appropriate & Effective Pharmacists can look at all of your prescription medications as a whole to determine if they are safe, appropriate and effective in managing your health conditions. Your Pharmacist may also be able to assess if you’re taking medications you no longer need, if you have therapy duplication, if you’re missing certain medication that is proven to help your specific conditions, or if you’re taking something that could potentially be harmful to your health. The pharmacist can also suggest alternative drug options to lessen side effects, or reduce your drug costs. Pharmacists can provide guidance for managing your overall health and navigating today’s ever-changing health care system. Talk to your pharmacist today and see how they can help you! For information about Tria Health, visit www.triahealth.com. #AmericanPharmacistMonth #Pharmacycare #TriaHealth

‘Tis The Flu Season Every year, 10% – 20% of Americans get sick with the flu leading to missed days at work, school and even hospitalization.  Flu seasons are unpredictable. It can begin as early as October and can last as late as May. During this fall season, protect yourself and your family from the flu by following these important tips. Get your flu shot. The best way to fight the flu is by getting vaccinated. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. It is especially important that seniors, pregnant women, and others with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions outlined by the CDC get the flu shot. Wash your hands & disinfect surfaces. Germs are everywhere! Washing your hands and wiping down frequently touched objects and surfaces. Take time to wash your hands thoroughly by working up a good lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds then rinse with warm water. Alcohol-based sanitizer is a good alternative to hand washing. Cover coughs & sneezes. Germs and viruses can easily spread to surfaces and other people through the air. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Seek medical advice when feeling sick. There is still a small chance you can catch the flu even if you get vaccinated. Pharmacists can make recommendations on choosing optimal over-the-counter products that can help manage your symptoms. Get adequate rest and hydration. Talk to your Tria Pharmacist or other health care provider regarding flu related questions. For information about Tria Health, visit www.triahealth.com. #CDC #FluSeason #flushot #TriaHealth