Medicare law offers diabetes reimbursement
Pharmacists meeting standards being developed by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) for diabetes management and prevention can qualify for reimbursement for leading those programs under federal Medicare legislation passed this session. Taking effect July 1, 1998, the legislation basically expands coverage for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes for items such as blood glucose monitors and strips. A main goal is for diabetics to enroll in outpatient self-management training done by certified providers receiving HCFA approval.
Professional groups such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists are beginning to form training programs for pharmacists to meet any necessary HCFA requirements to become certified providers for the reimbursement program.
The vaccine program targets pharmacists and elderly patients. The American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) has passed guidelines it hopes will encourage pharmacists to pursue higher immunization rates for preventable diseases, and targets elderly patients as the focus of the vaccination push.
The guidelines, more like a detailed mission statement, are set up in categories including prevention, community partnership, quality, documentation, and empowerment, and offer several methods to achieve each topic. They’re available from the APhA. Call (202) 429-7549.
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