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Kosaraju RS, Fonarow GC, Ong MK, Heidenreich PA, Washington DL, Wang X, Ziaeian B. Geographic Variation in the Quality of Heart Failure Care Among U.S. Veterans. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2023; 11:1534-1545. [PMID: 37542510 PMCID: PMC10792103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of heart failure is growing. Guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT) reduce adverse outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether there is geographic variation in HFrEF quality of care is not well described. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated variation nationally for prescription of GDMT within the Veterans Health Administration. METHODS A cohort of Veterans with HFrEF had their address linked to hospital referral regions (HRRs). GDMT prescription was defined using pharmacy data between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021. Within HRRs, we calculated the percentage of Veterans prescribed GDMT and a composite GDMT z-score. National choropleth maps were created to evaluate prescription variation. Associations between GDMT performance and demographic characteristics were evaluated using linear regression. RESULTS Maps demonstrated significant variation in the HRR composite score and GDMT prescriptions. Within HRRs, the prescription of beta-blockers to Veterans was highest with a median of 80% (IQR: 77.3%-82.2%) followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (69.3%; IQR: 66.4%-72.1%), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (10.3%; IQR: 7.7%-12.8%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (29.2%; IQR: 25.8%-33.9%), and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (12.2%; IQR: 8.6%-15.3%). HRR composite GDMT z-scores were inversely associated with the HRR median Gini coefficient (R = -0.13; P = 0.0218) and the percentage of low-income residents (R = -0.117; P = 0.0413). CONCLUSIONS Wide geographic differences exist for HFrEF care. Targeted strategies may be required to increase GDMT prescription for Veterans in lower-performing regions, including those affected by income inequality and poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revanth S Kosaraju
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. https://twitter.com/revanthsk12
| | - Gregg C Fonarow
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. https://twitter.com/gcfmd
| | - Michael K Ong
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA; Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA. https://twitter.com/michael_ong
| | - Paul A Heidenreich
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA. https://twitter.com/paheidenreich
| | - Donna L Washington
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA; Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Boback Ziaeian
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA; Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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2
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Cogan AM, Saliba D, Steers WN, Frochen S, Lynch KA, Ganz DA, Washington DL. Provider discussion of health goals and psychosocial needs: Comparing older to younger veteran experience. Health Serv Res 2023; 58 Suppl 1:9-15. [PMID: 36130799 PMCID: PMC9843079 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine by age, the veterans' report on whether components of age-friendly health systems were discussed during primary care visits. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Veterans Affairs (VA) Survey of Healthcare Experience of Patients from October 2015 to September 2019. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey of VA users by age group (18-44 years, 45-64 years, 65+ years; N = 1,042,318). We used weighted logistic regression models to evaluate disparities in whether veterans discussed with anyone in their provider's office: health goals, depression symptoms, stress, personal problems, and medications. Models were adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics (sex, socioeconomic status, education, rurality) and comorbidity. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHOD Surveys were administered by mail and online. Additional veteran characteristics were extracted from VA administrative data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In unadjusted analyses, VA users age 18-44 had a higher (-8.2%; CI: -9.0, -7.3) and users aged 45 to 64 had lower (4.0%; CI: 3.7, 4.3) predicted, probably discussing health goals compared to age 65+. Fewer VA users age 65+ reported discussing depression symptoms, personal problems, and stress than other age groups, whereas more VA users age 65+ discussed medications. Results were unchanged after adjusting for socio-demographics and comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS Delivery of goal-concordant care relies on understanding the needs of individual patients. Lower rates of discussing what matters and mood represent potential missed opportunities to deliver age-friendly care for older veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Cogan
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Debra Saliba
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical CenterVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Borun CenterUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- RAND HealthSanta MonicaCaliforniaUSA
| | - W. Neil Steers
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stephen Frochen
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kimberly A. Lynch
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- VA Los Angeles and UCLA National Clinician Scholars ProgramVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - David A. Ganz
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical CenterVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Donna L. Washington
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & PolicyVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Stroupe KT, Martinez R, Hogan TP, Gordon EJ, Gonzalez B, Tarlov E, Silva A, Huo Z, Kale I, Ippolito D, Osteen C, Jordan N, French DD, Gordon H, Fischer MJ, Smith BM. Health Insurance Coverage Among Veterans Receiving Care From VA Health Care Facilities. Med Care Res Rev 2021; 79:511-524. [PMID: 34622682 DOI: 10.1177/10775587211048661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Reasons for acquiring insurance outside Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care coverage among VA enrollees are incompletely understood. To assess Veterans' decision-making and acquisition of non-VA health care insurance in the Affordable Care Act era, we used mailed questionnaires and semistructured interviews in a stratified random sample of VA enrollees <65 years in the Midwest. Of the 3,666 survey participants, 32.1% reported non-VA insurance. Frequently reported reasons included wanting coverage for emergency situations or family members. Those without non-VA insurance cited unaffordability as the main obstacle. Analysis of the semistructured interview data revealed similar findings. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, characteristics associated with non-VA insurance included higher income (>$50,000 vs. <$10,000, odds ratio [OR] = 5.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.45-10.3, p < .001). As financial barriers exist for acquisition of non-VA insurance and hence community care, it is critically important that VA enrollees' health care needs are met through VA or community providers financed through VA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Stroupe
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Rachael Martinez
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA
| | - Timothy P Hogan
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA.,The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | | | - Beverly Gonzalez
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tarlov
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - Abigail Silva
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Zhiping Huo
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA
| | - Ibuola Kale
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA
| | - Dolores Ippolito
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA
| | - Chad Osteen
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA
| | - Neil Jordan
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dustin D French
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Howard Gordon
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Fischer
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bridget M Smith
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, IL, USA.,Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Oh YS, Lim J. Patient-Provider Communication and Online Health Information Seeking among a Sample of US Older Adults. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:708-716. [PMID: 34743676 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1998846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Negative communications with health professionals are a stressor to older adults in healthcare settings. In this situation, older adults seek health information on the Internet as alternative information sources and may consider this as having the equivalent value of communicating with a health professional. This study examines the relationship between communications with health professionals and online health information seeking in older adults. This study used the Health Information National Trends Survey, Cycle 3, and included participants (N = 743) aged 65 or older who used the Internet. A multiple logistic regression was employed to examine the association of health professional communication with online health information seeking. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between health communications and three types of online health information seeking in older adults. Online health information seeking was significantly associated with negative communications with health professionals. Health communications only predicted online health information seeking by oneself, and females were more likely to search for health information on the Internet than males. The results of this study show that older adults' online health information seeking is an active coping strategy to reduce health risks and improve health promotion in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sam Oh
- Department of Public Administration and Social Work, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jinseop Lim
- Department of Gerontal Health & Welfare, Pai Chai University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Schleiden LJ, Zickmund SL, Roman KL, Kennedy K, Thorpe JM, Rossi MI, Niznik JD, Springer SP, Thorpe CT. Caregiver and provider perspectives on dual VA and Medicare Part D medication use in veterans with suspected dementia or cognitive impairment. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 79:94-101. [PMID: 34453437 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DISCLAIMER In an effort to expedite the publication of articles , AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE Many older veterans with dementia fill prescriptions through both Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare Part D benefits. Dual VA/Part D medication use may have unintended negative consequences on prescribing safety and quality. We aimed to characterize benefits and drawbacks of dual VA/Part D medication use in veterans with dementia or cognitive impairment from the perspectives of caregivers and providers. METHODS This was a qualitative study based on semistructured telephone interviews of 2 group: (1) informal caregivers accompanying veterans with suspected dementia or cognitive impairment to visits at a VA Geriatric Evaluation and Management clinic (n = 11) and (2) VA healthcare providers of veterans with dementia who obtained medications via VA and Part D (n = 12). We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with caregivers and providers about benefits and drawbacks of dual VA/Part D medication use. Interview transcripts were subjected to qualitative content analysis to identify key themes. RESULTS Caregivers and providers both described cost and convenience benefits to dual VA/Part D medication use. Caregivers reported drawbacks including poor communication between VA and non-VA providers and difficulty managing medications from multiple systems. Providers reported potential safety risks including communication barriers, conflicting care decisions, and drug interactions. CONCLUSION Results of this study allow for understanding of potential policy interventions to better manage dual VA/Part D medication use for older veterans with dementia or cognitive impairment at a time when VA is expanding access to non-VA care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren J Schleiden
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Susan L Zickmund
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center (IDEAS), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, and Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Katie Lynn Roman
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kayla Kennedy
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joshua M Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, and Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michelle I Rossi
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, and Division of Geriatrics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joshua D Niznik
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, and Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sydney P Springer
- University of New England School of Pharmacy Westbrook College of Health Professions, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, and Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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6
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Ying D, Gianfrancesco MA, Trupin L, Yazdany J, Greidinger EL, Schmajuk G. Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Systemic Sclerosis: A National Cohort Study of US Veterans. J Rheumatol 2020; 47:82-88. [PMID: 30877213 PMCID: PMC7269199 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.181311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previously thought to involve primarily the microvasculature, systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been increasingly linked to macrovascular disease. Cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular disease are responsible for 20-30% of mortality in SSc, but few studies have shown an independent association between SSc and stroke. We assessed whether SSc was an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the national Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative database containing records from 1999 to 2014. We obtained data for all patients with a diagnosis of SSc as well as 2 controls per SSc patient matched on sex, race, smoking status, and VA site. All patients were followed until development of ischemic stroke, death, or last encounter. We used a Cox proportional hazard regression model to estimate risk of ischemic stroke, with adjustments for CV comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, non-cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease, hyperlipidemia), baseline medication use (aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), and Medicare enrollment. RESULTS Among 4545 individuals with SSc (83% male, mean age 60.9 yrs), the incidence rate of ischemic stroke was 15.3 per 1000 person-years (vs 12.2 in the control cohort), with an unadjusted HR 1.28 (95% CI 1.11-1.47). The adjusted HR was 1.21 (95% CI 1.05-1.40) after adjusting for baseline CV risk factors, medications, and Medicare enrollment. CONCLUSION SSc is independently associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke among US veterans. Patients with SSc represent a population likely to benefit from targeted stroke screening or prevention therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ying
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami; Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
- D. Ying, MD, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; M.A. Gianfrancesco, PhD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; L. Trupin, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; E.L. Greidinger, MD, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; G. Schmajuk, MD, MS, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco. E.L. Greidinger and G. Schmajuk contributed equally to this work.
| | - Milena A Gianfrancesco
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami; Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- D. Ying, MD, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; M.A. Gianfrancesco, PhD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; L. Trupin, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; E.L. Greidinger, MD, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; G. Schmajuk, MD, MS, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco. E.L. Greidinger and G. Schmajuk contributed equally to this work
| | - Laura Trupin
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami; Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- D. Ying, MD, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; M.A. Gianfrancesco, PhD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; L. Trupin, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; E.L. Greidinger, MD, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; G. Schmajuk, MD, MS, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco. E.L. Greidinger and G. Schmajuk contributed equally to this work
| | - Jinoos Yazdany
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami; Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- D. Ying, MD, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; M.A. Gianfrancesco, PhD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; L. Trupin, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; E.L. Greidinger, MD, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; G. Schmajuk, MD, MS, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco. E.L. Greidinger and G. Schmajuk contributed equally to this work
| | - Eric L Greidinger
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami; Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- D. Ying, MD, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; M.A. Gianfrancesco, PhD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; L. Trupin, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; E.L. Greidinger, MD, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; G. Schmajuk, MD, MS, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco. E.L. Greidinger and G. Schmajuk contributed equally to this work
| | - Gabriela Schmajuk
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami; Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- D. Ying, MD, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; M.A. Gianfrancesco, PhD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; L. Trupin, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; J. Yazdany, MD, MPH, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco; E.L. Greidinger, MD, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; G. Schmajuk, MD, MS, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco. E.L. Greidinger and G. Schmajuk contributed equally to this work
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7
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Stroupe KT, Martinez R, Hogan TP, Gordon EJ, Gonzalez B, Kale I, Osteen C, Tarlov E, Weaver FM, Hynes DM, Smith BM. Experiences with the Veterans' Choice Program. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:2141-2149. [PMID: 31388916 PMCID: PMC6816746 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address concerns about Veterans' access to care at US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act was enacted to facilitate Veterans' access to care in non-VA settings, resulting in the "Veterans Choice Program" (VCP). OBJECTIVES To assess the characteristics of Veterans who used or planned to use the VCP, reasons for using or planning to use the VCP, and experiences with the VCP. DESIGN Mixed-methods. SUBJECTS After sampling Veterans in the Midwest census region receiving care at VA healthcare facilities, we included 4521 Veterans in the analyses. Of these, 60 Veterans participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews. APPROACH Quantitative data were derived from VA's administrative and clinical data and a survey of Veterans including Veteran characteristics and self-reported use of VCP. Associations between Veterans' characteristics and use or planned use of the VCP were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. KEY RESULTS Veterans with a higher odds of reporting use or intended use of the VCP were women, lived further distances from VA facilities, or had worse health status than other Veterans (P ≤ 0.01). Key themes included positive experiences with the VCP (timeliness of care, location of care, access to services, scheduling improvements, and coverage of services), and negative experiences with the VCP (complicated scheduling processes, inconveniently located appointments, delays securing appointments, billing confusion, and communication breakdowns). DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that Veterans value access to care close to their home and care that addresses the needs of women and Veterans with poor health status. The Mission Act was passed in June 2018 to restructure the VCP and consolidate community care into a single program, continuing VA's commitment to support access to community care into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Stroupe
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA.
- Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
| | - Rachael Martinez
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Timothy P Hogan
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elisa J Gordon
- Department of Surgery, and Center for Health Care Studies, and Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Beverly Gonzalez
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Ibuola Kale
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Chad Osteen
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tarlov
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Frances M Weaver
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Denise M Hynes
- Center of Innovation to Improve Veterans Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bridget M Smith
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Moyo P, Zhao X, Thorpe CT, Thorpe JM, Sileanu FE, Cashy JP, Hale JA, Mor MK, Radomski TR, Donohue JM, Hausmann LRM, Hanlon JT, Good CB, Fine MJ, Gellad WF. Dual Receipt of Prescription Opioids From the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D and Prescription Opioid Overdose Death Among Veterans: A Nested Case-Control Study. Ann Intern Med 2019; 170:433-442. [PMID: 30856660 PMCID: PMC6736692 DOI: 10.7326/m18-2574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half of enrollees in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are also covered by Medicare and can choose to receive their prescriptions from VA or from Medicare-participating providers. Such dual-system care may lead to unsafe opioid use if providers in these 2 systems do not coordinate care or if prescription use is not tracked between systems. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between dual-system opioid prescribing and death from prescription opioid overdose. DESIGN Nested case-control study. SETTING VA and Medicare Part D. PARTICIPANTS Case and control patients were identified from all veterans enrolled in both VA and Part D who filled at least 1 opioid prescription from either system. The 215 case patients who died of a prescription opioid overdose in 2012 or 2013 were matched (up to 1:4) with 833 living control patients on the basis of date of death (that is, index date), using age, sex, race/ethnicity, disability, enrollment in Medicaid or low-income subsidies, managed care enrollment, region and rurality of residence, and a medication-based measure of comorbid conditions. MEASUREMENTS The exposure was the source of opioid prescriptions within 6 months of the index date, categorized as VA only, Part D only, or VA and Part D (that is, dual use). The outcome was unintentional or undetermined-intent death from prescription opioid overdose, identified from the National Death Index. The association between this outcome and source of opioid prescriptions was estimated using conditional logistic regression with adjustment for age, marital status, prescription drug monitoring programs, and use of other medications. RESULTS Among case patients, the mean age was 57.3 years (SD, 9.1), 194 (90%) were male, and 181 (84%) were non-Hispanic white. Overall, 60 case patients (28%) and 117 control patients (14%) received dual opioid prescriptions. Dual users had significantly higher odds of death from prescription opioid overdose than those who received opioids from VA only (odds ratio [OR], 3.53 [95% CI, 2.17 to 5.75]; P < 0.001) or Part D only (OR, 1.83 [CI, 1.20 to 2.77]; P = 0.005). LIMITATION Data are from 2012 to 2013 and cannot capture prescriptions obtained outside the VA or Medicare Part D systems. CONCLUSION Among veterans enrolled in VA and Part D, dual use of opioid prescriptions was independently associated with death from prescription opioid overdose. This risk factor for fatal overdose among veterans underscores the importance of care coordination across health care systems to improve opioid prescribing safety. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Moyo
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island (P.M.)
| | - Xinhua Zhao
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (X.Z., F.E.S., J.P.C., J.A.H.)
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (C.T.T., J.M.T.)
| | - Joshua M Thorpe
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (C.T.T., J.M.T.)
| | - Florentina E Sileanu
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (X.Z., F.E.S., J.P.C., J.A.H.)
| | - John P Cashy
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (X.Z., F.E.S., J.P.C., J.A.H.)
| | - Jennifer A Hale
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (X.Z., F.E.S., J.P.C., J.A.H.)
| | - Maria K Mor
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.K.M., J.M.D.)
| | - Thomas R Radomski
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (T.R.R., L.R.H., M.J.F.)
| | - Julie M Donohue
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.K.M., J.M.D.)
| | - Leslie R M Hausmann
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (T.R.R., L.R.H., M.J.F.)
| | - Joseph T Hanlon
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (J.T.H.)
| | - Chester B Good
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (C.B.G.)
| | - Michael J Fine
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (T.R.R., L.R.H., M.J.F.)
| | - Walid F Gellad
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (W.F.G.)
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9
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Taber DJ, Ward R, Axon RN, Walker RJ, Egede LE, Gebregziabher M. The Impact of Dual Health Care System Use for Obtaining Prescription Medications on Nonadherence in Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes. Ann Pharmacother 2019; 53:675-682. [PMID: 30724092 DOI: 10.1177/1060028019828681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual health system use may provide increased access to physicians, medications, and other health care resources but may also increase the complexity and coordination of medication regimens. Thus, it is important to elucidate the impact of dual use on medication adherence. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact on medication adherence for veterans with dual health care system use (VA and Medicare) when obtaining prescription antihyperglycemic medications to treat diabetes. METHODS This was a longitudinal cohort study using VA and Medicare data from 2006 to 2010. Medication adherence was estimated by calculating annualized drug class-level proportion of days covered (PDC), where PDC >80% was considered adherent. Generalized linear models were used for estimations, accounting for correlation over time. RESULTS In total, 254 267 veterans with diabetes were included, with 71 057 (27.9%) defined as pharmacy system dual users. Mean age was 77.5 years, and nearly all had multiple comorbidities (mean count 10.2). During follow-up, 75% of VA-only users were deemed adherent to diabetes prescriptions, compared with 63% of dual users. In adjusted models, dual prescription benefit use from VA/Medicare was associated with 39% lower odds of medication adherence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.60-0.61). Medication adherence significantly worsened with each additional diabetes medication (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.64-0.65) and significantly decreased over time (OR = 0.95 per year; 95% CI = 0.95-0.96). Conclusion and Relevance: These data suggest that veterans utilizing VA and Medicare to obtain diabetes prescriptions are significantly less likely to be adherent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Taber
- 1 Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.,2 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ralph Ward
- 1 Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - R Neal Axon
- 1 Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- 1 Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.,2 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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10
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Thorpe CT, Gellad WF, Mor MK, Cashy JP, Pleis JR, Van Houtven CH, Schleiden LJ, Hanlon JT, Niznik JD, Carico RL, Good CB, Thorpe JM. Effect of Dual Use of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D Drug Benefits on Antihypertensive Medication Supply in a National Cohort of Veterans with Dementia. Health Serv Res 2018; 53 Suppl 3:5375-5401. [PMID: 30328097 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of dual use of VA/Medicare Part D drug benefits on antihypertensive medication supply in older Veterans with dementia. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING National, linked 2007-2010 Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare utilization and prescription records for 50,763 dementia patients with hypertension. STUDY DESIGN We used inverse probability of treatment (IPT)-weighted multinomial logistic regression to examine the association of dual prescription use with undersupply and oversupply of antihypertensives. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Veterans Affairs and Part D prescription records were used to classify patients as VA-only, Part D-only, or dual VA/Part D users of antihypertensives and summarize their antihypertensive medication supply in 2010: (1) appropriate supply of all prescribed antihypertensive classes, (2) undersupply of ≥1 class with no oversupply of another class, (3) oversupply of ≥1 class with no undersupply, or (4) both undersupply and oversupply. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Dual prescription users were more likely than VA-only users to have undersupply only (aOR = 1.28; 95 percent CI = 1.18-1.39), oversupply only (aOR = 2.38; 95 percent CI = 2.15-2.64), and concurrent under- and oversupply (aOR = 2.89; 95 percent CI = 2.53-3.29), versus appropriate supply of all classes. CONCLUSIONS Obtaining antihypertensives through both VA and Part D was associated with increased antihypertensive under- and oversupply. Efforts to understand how best to coordinate dual-system prescription use are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn T Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Maria K Mor
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John P Cashy
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John R Pleis
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Courtney H Van Houtven
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, VA Medical Center (152), Durham, NC.,Duke University School of Medicine, VA Medical Center (152), Durham, NC
| | - Loren J Schleiden
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Joseph T Hanlon
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Joshua D Niznik
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ronald L Carico
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Chester B Good
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,Center for High Value Pharmaceutical Purchasing, UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Joshua M Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA.,UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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11
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Chui PW, Bastian LA, DeRycke E, Brandt CA, Becker WC, Goulet JL. Dual Use of Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Benefits on High-Risk Opioid Prescriptions in Veterans Aged 65 Years and Older: Insights from the VA Musculoskeletal Disorders Cohort. Health Serv Res 2018; 53 Suppl 3:5402-5418. [PMID: 30298672 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of dual use of both Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Medicare benefits with high-risk opioid prescriptions among Veterans aged 65 years and older with a musculoskeletal disorder diagnosis. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Data were obtained from the VA Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) cohort and national Medicare claims data from 2008 to 2010. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective analysis of Veterans enrolled in Medicare to examine the association of dual use with long-term opioid use (>90 days of prescription opioids/year) and overlapping opioid prescriptions. Multivariable logistic regression was performed adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We identified 21,111 Veterans enrolled in Medicare who entered the MSD cohort in 2008 and received an opioid prescription in 2010. We linked VHA data with Medicare claims data to identify opioid prescriptions for these Veterans in 2010. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS As compared to Veterans who used only VHA or Medicare, Veterans with dual use of VHA and Medicare were significantly more likely to be prescribed long-term opioid therapy (OR = 4.61 (95 percent CI 4.05-5.25) and were also found to have higher median number of opioid prescriptions and higher odds of overlapping opioid prescriptions in 1 year. Patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain, non-white-race/ethnicity, and higher scoring on the Charlson comorbidity index had significantly higher odds of long-term opioid prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS Among Veterans aged 65 years or older, dual use of both VHA and Medicare was associated with higher odds of long-term opioid therapy. Our findings suggest there may be benefit to combining VHA and non-VHA electronic health record data to minimize exposure to high-risk opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W Chui
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Lori A Bastian
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Eric DeRycke
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Cynthia A Brandt
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - William C Becker
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Joseph L Goulet
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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12
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Lesselroth BJ, Adams K, Church VL, Tallett S, Russ Y, Wiedrick J, Forsberg C, Dorr DA. Evaluation of Multimedia Medication Reconciliation Software: A Randomized Controlled, Single-Blind Trial to Measure Diagnostic Accuracy for Discrepancy Detection. Appl Clin Inform 2018; 9:285-301. [PMID: 29719884 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1645889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans Affairs Portland Healthcare System developed a medication history collection software that displays prescription names and medication images. OBJECTIVE This article measures the frequency of medication discrepancy reporting using the medication history collection software and compares with the frequency of reporting using a paper-based process. This article also determines the accuracy of each method by comparing both strategies to a best possible medication history. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, controlled, single-blind trial. SETTING Three community-based primary care clinics associated with the Veterans Affairs Portland Healthcare System: a 300-bed teaching facility and ambulatory care network serving Veteran soldiers in the Pacific Northwest United States. PARTICIPANTS Of 212 patients with primary care appointments, 209 patients fulfilled the study requirements. INTERVENTION Patients randomized to a software-directed medication history or a paper-based medication history. Randomization and allocation to treatment groups were performed using a computer-based random number generator. Assignments were placed in a sealed envelope and opened after participant consent. The research coordinator did not know or have access to the treatment assignment until the time of presentation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary analysis compared the discrepancy detection rates between groups with respect to the health record and a best possible medication history. RESULTS Of 3,500 medications reviewed, we detected 1,435 discrepancies. Forty-six percent of those discrepancies were potentially high risk for causing an adverse drug event. There was no difference in detection rates between treatment arms. Software sensitivity was 83% and specificity was 91%; paper sensitivity was 81% and specificity was 94%. No participants were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION The medication history collection software is an efficient and scalable method for gathering a medication history and detecting high-risk discrepancies. Although it included medication images, the technology did not improve accuracy over a paper list when compared with a best possible medication history. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02135731.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake J Lesselroth
- NorthWest Innovation Center, Veterans' Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, United States.,Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Kathleen Adams
- NorthWest Innovation Center, Veterans' Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Victoria L Church
- NorthWest Innovation Center, Veterans' Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Stephanie Tallett
- NorthWest Innovation Center, Veterans' Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Yelizaveta Russ
- Division of Primary Care, Veterans' Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Jack Wiedrick
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Christopher Forsberg
- Center of Innovation, Veterans' Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - David A Dorr
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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13
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Hatch MN, Raad J, Suda K, Stroupe KT, Hon AJ, Smith BM. Evaluating the Use of Medicare Part D in the Veteran Population With Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:1099-1107. [PMID: 29425699 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the different sources of medications, the most common drug classes filled, and the characteristics associated with Medicare Part D pharmacy use in veterans with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D). DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study. SETTING Outpatient clinics and pharmacies. PARTICIPANTS Veterans (N=13,442) with SCI/D using Medicare or Veteran Affairs pharmacy benefits. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Characteristics and top 10 most common drug classes were examined in veterans who (1) used VA pharmacies only; (2) used both VA and Medicare Part D pharmacies; or (3) used Part D pharmacies only. Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between various patient variables and source of medications. Patient level frequencies were used to determine the most common drug classes. RESULTS A total of 13,442 veterans with SCI/D were analyzed in this study: 11,788 (87.7%) used VA pharmacies only, 1281 (9.5%) used both VA and Part D pharmacies, and 373 (2.8%) used Part D pharmacies only. Veterans older than 50 years were more likely to use Part D pharmacies, whereas those with traumatic injury, or secondary conditions, were less associated with the use of Part D pharmacies. Opioids were the most frequently filled drug class across all groups. Other frequently used drug classes included skeletal muscle relaxants, gastric medications, antidepressants (other category), anticonvulsants, and antilipemics. CONCLUSIONS Approximately 12% of veterans with SCI/D are receiving medication outside the VA system. Polypharmacy in this population of veterans is relatively high, emphasizing the importance of health information exchange between systems for improved care for this medically complex population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya N Hatch
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Long Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA
| | - Jason Raad
- Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Katie Suda
- Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Kevin T Stroupe
- Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Alice J Hon
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Long Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA
| | - Bridget M Smith
- Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Chicago, IL; Institute for Healthcare Studies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
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14
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Gellad WF, Thorpe JM, Zhao X, Thorpe CT, Sileanu FE, Cashy JP, Hale JA, Mor MK, Radomski TR, Hausmann LRM, Donohue JM, Gordon AJ, Suda KJ, Stroupe KT, Hanlon JT, Cunningham FE, Good CB, Fine MJ. Impact of Dual Use of Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D Drug Benefits on Potentially Unsafe Opioid Use. Am J Public Health 2017; 108:248-255. [PMID: 29267065 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.304174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence and consequences of receiving prescription opioids from both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare Part D. METHODS Among US veterans enrolled in both VA and Part D filling 1 or more opioid prescriptions in 2012 (n = 539 473), we calculated 3 opioid safety measures using morphine milligram equivalents (MME): (1) proportion receiving greater than 100 MME for 1 or more days, (2) mean days receiving greater than 100 MME, and (3) proportion receiving greater than 120 MME for 90 consecutive days. We compared these measures by opioid source. RESULTS Overall, 135 643 (25.1%) veterans received opioids from VA only, 332 630 (61.7%) from Part D only, and 71 200 (13.2%) from both. The dual-use group was more likely than the VA-only group to receive greater than 100 MME for 1 or more days (34.3% vs 10.9%; adjusted risk ratio [ARR] = 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9, 3.1), have more days with greater than 100 MME (42.5 vs 16.9 days; adjusted difference = 16.4 days; 95% CI = 15.7, 17.2), and to receive greater than 120 MME for 90 consecutive days (7.8% vs 3.1%; ARR = 2.2; 95% CI = 2.1, 2.3). CONCLUSIONS Among veterans dually enrolled in VA and Medicare Part D, dual use of opioids was associated with more than 2 to 3 times the risk of high-dose opioid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid F Gellad
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Joshua M Thorpe
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Xinhua Zhao
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Florentina E Sileanu
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - John P Cashy
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Jennifer A Hale
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Maria K Mor
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Thomas R Radomski
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Leslie R M Hausmann
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Julie M Donohue
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Katie J Suda
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Kevin T Stroupe
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Joseph T Hanlon
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Francesca E Cunningham
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Chester B Good
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
| | - Michael J Fine
- Walid F. Gellad, Joshua M. Thorpe, Xinhua Zhao, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Florentina E. Sileanu, John P. Cashy, Jennifer A. Hale, Maria K. Mor, Thomas R. Radomski, Leslie R. M. Hausmann, Adam J. Gordon, Joseph T. Hanlon, and Michael J. Fine are with the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA. Julie M. Donohue is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Katie J. Suda and Kevin T. Stroupe are with the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Care, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, IL. Francesca E. Cunningham and Chester B. Good are with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, VA Center for Medication Safety, Chicago
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Spencer SH, Suda KJ, Smith BM, Huo Z, Bailey L, Stroupe KT. Erectile Dysfunction Medication Use in Veterans Eligible for Medicare Part D. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2017; 22:818-24. [PMID: 27348283 PMCID: PMC10398145 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2016.22.7.818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) medications are therapeutically effective and associated with satisfaction. Medicare Part D included ED medications on the formulary during 2006 and inadvertently in 2007-2008. OBJECTIVE To characterize phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5) medication use among veterans who were dually eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare Part D benefits. METHODS Veterans aged > 66 years who received PDE-5 inhibitors between 2005 and 2009 were included. Veterans were categorized by PDE-5 inhibitor claims: VA-only, Part D-only, or dual users of VA and Part D-reimbursed pharmacies. T-tests and chi-square tests were applied as appropriate. RESULTS From 2005 to 2009, the majority (85.2%) of veterans used VA benefits exclusively for their PDE-5 inhibitors; 11.4% used Medicare Part D exclusively; and 3.4% were dual users. The Part D-only group was older, more frequently not black, had a VA copay, and had a higher income (P < 0.03). The VA group was more likely to have comorbidities, smoke, and have a history of substance abuse (P < 0.001). With the inception of Medicare Part D in 2006, the number of patients filling prescriptions for PDE-5 inhibitors (-68%) and total number of PDE-5 inhibitor 30-day equivalents dispensed (-86.7%) from the VA decreased. Part D prescriptions increased through 2006 (full coverage period) and 2007 (accidental partial coverage) and decreased in 2008. While Part D accounted for only 10% of PDE-5 inhibitor 30-day equivalents, it equaled 29.2% of dispensed tablets. In October 2007, VA PDE-5 inhibitor use returned to 2005 levels. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of Medicare Part D reduced VA PDE-5 inhibitor acquisition. However, after removal of PDE-5 inhibitors from the Part D formulary, use of VA pharmacies for PDE-5 inhibitors resumed. Medication policies outside the VA can affect medication use. Veterans with access to non-VA health care may obtain medications from the private sector because of VA restrictions. This may be especially true for nonformulary and lifestyle medications. DISCLOSURES The authors received funding support for this research project from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service as grant IIR 07-165-2. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or Health Services Research and Development Service. Study concept and design were contributed by Smith and Stroupe, assisted by the other authors. Huo, Bailey, and Stroupe took the lead in data collection, assisted by the other authors. Data interpretation was performed by Spencer and Suda, along with Smith and Stroupe and assisted by Huo and Bailey. The manuscript was primarily written by Spencer and Suda, with assistance from the other authors, and revised by Spencer, along with the other authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha H Spencer
- 1 College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Katie J Suda
- 2 Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, and College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bridget M Smith
- 3 Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, and Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zhiping Huo
- 4 Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
| | - Lauren Bailey
- 5 Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kevin T Stroupe
- 6 Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, and Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
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16
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Nguyen KA, Haggstrom DA, Ofner S, Perkins SM, French DD, Myers LJ, Rosenman M, Weiner M, Dixon BE, Zillich AJ. Medication Use among Veterans across Health Care Systems. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8:235-249. [PMID: 28271121 DOI: 10.4338/aci-2016-10-ra-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dual healthcare system use can create gaps and fragments of information for patient care. The Department of Veteran Affairs is implementing a health information exchange (HIE) program called the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER), which allows providers to access and share information across healthcare systems. HIE has the potential to improve the safety of medication use. However, data regarding the pattern of outpatient medication use across systems of care is largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of medication dispensing across VA and non-VA health care systems among a cohort Veteran population. METHODS This study included all Veterans who had two outpatient visits or one inpatient visit at the Indianapolis VA during a 1-year period prior to VLER enrollment. Source of medication data was assessed at the subject level, and categorized as VA, INPC (non-VA), or both. The primary target was identification of sources for medication data. Then, we compared the mean number of prescriptions, as well as overall and pairwise differences in medication dispensing. RESULTS Out of 52,444 Veterans, 17.4% of subjects had medication data available in a regional HIE. On average, 40 prescriptions per year were prescribed for Veterans who used both sources compared to 29 prescriptions per year from VA only and 25 prescriptions per year from INPC only sources. The annualized prescription rate of Veterans in the dual use group was 36% higher than those who had only VA data available and 61% higher than those who had only INPC data available. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that 17.4% of subjects had medication use identified from non-VA sources, including prescriptions for antibiotics, antineoplastics, and anticoagulants. These data support the need for HIE programs to improve coordination of information, with the potential to reduce adverse medication interactions and improve medication safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa A Nguyen
- Khoa A Nguyen, Pharm.D, Medical Informatics Postdoctoral Fellow, VA HSR&D-CHIC, D6004-2, 1481 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA, , Phone: (317) 988-4409
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17
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Stroupe KT, Smith BM, Bailey L, Adas J, Gellad WF, Suda K, Huo Z, Tully S, Burk M, Cunningham F. Medication acquisition by veterans dually eligible for Veterans Affairs and Medicare Part D pharmacy benefits. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2017; 74:140-150. [DOI: 10.2146/ajhp150800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T. Stroupe
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL
| | - Bridget M. Smith
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, and Smith Child Health Research Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Lauren Bailey
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jamal Adas
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL
| | - Walid F. Gellad
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Administration Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Katie Suda
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, and Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes, and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Zhiping Huo
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL
| | - Sean Tully
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL
| | - Muriel Burk
- Veterans Administration Pharmacy Benefit Management Services, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL
| | - Francesca Cunningham
- Veterans Administration Pharmacy Benefit Management Services, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL
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18
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Moreno G, van Eijndhoven E, Benner J, Sullivan J. The Long-Term Impact of Price Controls in Medicare Part D. Forum Health Econ Policy 2017; 20:/j/fhep.2017.20.issue-2/fhep-2016-0011/fhep-2016-0011.xml. [PMID: 31419906 DOI: 10.1515/fhep-2016-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Price controls for prescription drugs are once again at the forefront of policy discussions in the United States. Much of the focus has been on the potential short-term savings - in terms of lower spending - although evidence suggests price controls can dampen innovation and adversely affect long-term population health. This paper applies the Health Economics Medical Innovation Simulation, a microsimulation of older Americans, to estimate the long-term impacts of government price setting in Medicare Part D, using pricing in the Federal Veterans Health Administration program as a proxy. We find that VA-style pricing policies would save between $0.1 trillion and $0.3 trillion (US$2015) in lifetime drug spending for people born in 1949-2005. However, such savings come with social costs. After accounting for innovation spillovers, we find that price setting in Part D reduces the number of new drug introductions by as much as 25% relative to the status quo. As a result, life expectancy for the cohort born in 1991-1995 is reduced by almost 2 years relative to the status quo. Overall, we find that price controls would reduce lifetime welfare by $5.7 to $13.3 trillion (US$2015) for the US population born in 1949-2005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gigi Moreno
- Precision Health Economics, Los Angeles, CA,USA
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19
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Lund BC, Charlton ME, West AN. Pharmacy use by dual-eligible non-elderly veterans with private healthcare insurance. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:515. [PMID: 27664059 PMCID: PMC5035463 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Utilization of private sector healthcare services among dual enrolled veterans with private healthcare insurance plans (PHIP) has not been well-characterized. Concurrent use of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non-VHA pharmacies may increase risk for adverse outcomes. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which dual VHA-PHIP enrollees obtain medications through VHA and non-VHA pharmacies and to characterize medications obtained through non-VHA pharmacies. Methods This observational study used merged administrative data from VHA and a predominant regional PHIP to select veterans < 65 years of age, residing in two Midwestern US states, and simultaneously enrolled in both VHA and the PHIP during fiscal years (FY) 2001–2010. Primary outcome measures included counts of prescriptions dispensed from VHA and non-VHA pharmacies, and frequencies of medications dispensed by non-VHA pharmacies based on PHIP claims. Results Of 5783 veterans who filled ≥ 1 prescription in FY10, 2935 (50.8 %) used non-VHA pharmacies exclusively, 1165 (20.2 %) used VHA pharmacies exclusively and 1683 (29.1 %) were dual users. Health services utilization was higher for dual users compared to exclusive users of either VHA or non-VHA pharmacies across multiple measures, including total prescriptions, outpatient encounters, and inpatient admissions. The most common medications dispensed by non-VHA pharmacies, by proportion of veterans treated, were hydrocodone (20.9 %), amoxicillin (18.5 %), simvastatin (17.5 %), azithromycin (17.4 %), and lisinopril (15.1 %). Antidepressants comprised 3 of 10 most common medications dispensed by VHA, but none of the most common medications dispensed to exclusive non-VHA pharmacy users. Conclusions Our findings align with VHA-Medicare dual enrolled veterans where only a minority of veterans used VHA services exclusively. Younger veterans relied disproportionately on VHA for mental health medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Lund
- Center for Comprehensive Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Health Care System (Mailstop 152), 601 Hwy 6 West, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Mary E Charlton
- Center for Comprehensive Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Health Care System (Mailstop 152), 601 Hwy 6 West, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Alan N West
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center - Eastern Region, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Rope Ferry Rd, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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20
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Correlates of CVD and discussing sexual issues with physicians among male military veterans. Maturitas 2016; 92:168-175. [PMID: 27621256 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health behavior factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and patient-physician communication concerning sexual issues among older Veterans. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected from 635 male Veterans over age 55 years as part of the 2010 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, a nationally-representative, population-based study of community-dwelling older Americans. Two independent logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Over 33% of Veterans were aged 75 years or older. Over one-half of participants reported having a CVD diagnosis (58%) and sexual intercourse within the previous year (58%); over one-third (37%) reported having one or more sexual dysfunctions and discussing sexual issues with their physician (42%). Veterans diagnosed with CVD were significantly more likely to self-identify as racial/ethnic minorities (OR=1.89, P=0.021), have more chronic disease comorbidities (OR=1.23, P=0.041), and have more sexual dysfunctions (OR=1.19, P=0.028). Veterans diagnosed with CVD were significantly less likely to report having sex within the previous year (OR=0.53, P=0.005). Veterans who reported discussing sexual issues with a physician were significantly more likely to be ≥75 years (OR=1.79, P=0.010), and report more than a high school education (OR=1.62, P=0.016), CVD diagnosis (OR=1.59, P=0.015), sex within the previous year (OR=1.69, P=0.033), and trouble achieving/maintaining an erection (OR=3.39, P<0.001). IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest older male Veterans, particularly racial/ethnic minorities and those less-educated, may benefit from VA and community-based aging and sexual health/counseling services. These services should promote increased patient-physician communication as well as referrals between physicians and sex health/counseling specialists.
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21
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Stroupe KT, Bailey L, Gellad WF, Suda K, Huo Z, Martinez R, Burk M, Cunningham F, Smith BM. Veterans’ Pharmacy and Health Care Utilization Following Implementation of the Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefit. Med Care Res Rev 2016; 74:328-344. [DOI: 10.1177/1077558716643887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We examined associations between enrollment in Medicare Part D pharmacy benefits and changes in medication acquisition from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacies. We included all women and a random 10% sample of men who were VA enrollees, ≥65 years old as of January 1, 2004, and alive through December 2007. We used difference-in-differences models with propensity score weighting to examine changes in medication acquisition between 2005 (before Part D was implemented) and 2007 (after Part D implementation) for veterans who were or were not Part D enrolled. Of 231,716 veterans meeting inclusion criteria, 49,881 (21.5%) were enrolled. While 30-day medication supplies decreased from 26.2 to 23.4 for enrolled veterans, they increased from 36.6 to 37.4 for nonenrolled veterans (difference-in-differences: −4.0, p < .001). Reductions in 30-day supplies were greater among veterans who were required to pay VA copayments for some or all medications and who used VA and Medicare outpatient services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T. Stroupe
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- Loyola University Chicago Department of Public Health Sciences, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Lauren Bailey
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Walid F. Gellad
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Katie Suda
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhiping Huo
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Rachael Martinez
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Muriel Burk
- Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Benefit Management Services, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines IL
| | - Francesca Cunningham
- Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Benefit Management Services, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines IL
| | - Bridget M. Smith
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern University, Chicago IL, USA
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22
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Rubinsky AD, Chen C, Batki SL, Williams EC, Harris AHS. Comparative utilization of pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder and other psychiatric disorders among U.S. Veterans Health Administration patients with dual diagnoses. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 69:150-7. [PMID: 26343607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and another co-occurring psychiatric disorder are a vulnerable population with high symptom severity. Such patients may benefit from a full arsenal of treatment options including pharmacotherapy. Receipt of AUD pharmacotherapy is generally very low despite recommendations that it be made available to every patient with AUD, including those with co-occurring disorders. Little is known about pharmacotherapy rates for AUD compared to other psychiatric disorders among patients with dual diagnoses. This study compared rates of pharmacotherapy for AUD to those for non-substance use psychiatric disorders and tobacco use disorder among patients with dual diagnoses in the U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. VA data were used to identify patients with AUD and another psychiatric disorder in fiscal year 2012, and to estimate the proportion receiving pharmacotherapy for AUD and for each comorbid condition. Among subsets of patients with AUD and co-occurring schizophrenic, bipolar, posttraumatic stress or major depressive disorder, receipt of medications for AUD ranged from 7% to 11%, whereas receipt of medications for the comorbid disorder ranged from 69% to 82%. Among patients with AUD and co-occurring tobacco use disorder, 6% received medication for their AUD and 34% for their tobacco use disorder. Among patients with dual diagnoses, rates of pharmacotherapy for AUD were far lower than those for the comorbid disorders and contrary to evidence that medications for AUD are effective. Additional system-wide implementation efforts to identify and address patient- and provider-level barriers are needed to increase AUD pharmacotherapy in this high-need population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Rubinsky
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Substance Use Disorder Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (SUD QUERI), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (MPD 152), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), Health Services Research and Development, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (MPD 152), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
| | - Cheng Chen
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), Health Services Research and Development, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (MPD 152), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Steven L Batki
- Addiction Psychiatry Research Program, San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development (S-152), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alex H S Harris
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Substance Use Disorder Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (SUD QUERI), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (MPD 152), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), Health Services Research and Development, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (MPD 152), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
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Turvey C, Klein D, Fix G, Hogan TP, Woods S, Simon SR, Charlton M, Vaughan-Sarrazin M, Zulman DM, Dindo L, Wakefield B, Graham G, Nazi K. Blue Button use by patients to access and share health record information using the Department of Veterans Affairs' online patient portal. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2014; 21:657-63. [PMID: 24740865 DOI: 10.1136/amiajnl-2014-002723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Blue Button feature of online patient portals promotes patient engagement by allowing patients to easily download their personal health information. This study examines the adoption and use of the Blue Button feature in the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) personal health record portal, My HealtheVet. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online survey presented to a 4% random sample of My HealtheVet users between March and May 2012. Questions were designed to determine characteristics associated with Blue Button use, perceived value of use, and how Veterans with non-VA providers use the Blue Button to share information with their non-VA providers. RESULTS Of the survey participants (N=18 398), 33% were current Blue Button users. The most highly endorsed benefit was that it helped patients understand their health history better because all the information was in one place (73%). Twenty-one percent of Blue Button users with a non-VA provider shared their VA health information, and 87% reported that the non-VA provider found the information somewhat or very helpful. Veterans' self-rated computer ability was the strongest factor contributing to both Blue Button use and to sharing information with non-VA providers. When comparing Blue Button users and non-users, barriers to adoption were low awareness of the feature and difficulty using the Blue Button. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the understanding of early Blue Button adoption and use of this feature for patient-initiated sharing of health information. Educational efforts are needed to raise awareness of the Blue Button and to address usability issues that hinder adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Turvey
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Dawn Klein
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Gemmae Fix
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), A VA HSR&D Center of Innovation, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy P Hogan
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), A VA HSR&D Center of Innovation, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, eHealth Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, National eHealth QUERI Coordinating Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan Woods
- Portland VA Medical Center, Health Services Research & Development, Portland, Oregon, USA Department of Medical Informatics & Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Steven R Simon
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mary Charlton
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Mary Vaughan-Sarrazin
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Donna M Zulman
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, California, USA Division of General Medical Disciplines, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lilian Dindo
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bonnie Wakefield
- Iowa City VA Health Care System, Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Gail Graham
- Veterans and Consumers Health Informatics Office, Office of Informatics & Analytics, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kim Nazi
- Veterans and Consumers Health Informatics Office, Office of Informatics & Analytics, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
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