Research to real-world application: experts weigh in on the underuse of anticoagulants.

Although numerous studies have shown that anticoagulants can reduce the risk of stroke and thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, they are underprescribed in the clinical setting. While standardized risk scoring assessments are recommended in treatment guidelines to determine when anticoagulant use may be appropriate, they are not widely used in the real-world clinical setting. Many factors contribute to anticoagulant underuse, including patient characteristics and comorbidities.

The future of Medicare Part D drug plans--results from a roundtable discussion.

Background: The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, signed into law in 2003, provided access to prescription drugs for elderly Americans. The Part D benefit continues to evolve. Changes in plan designs, the impact of the doughnut hole on beneficiaries, and increased cost shifting have the potential to hamper the future of the Part D benefit.

Health information technology--results from a roundtable discussion.

Background: Health information technology (HIT), notably e-prescribing and electronic health records (EHR), have the potential to improve the quality of care, reduce medication errors and adverse events, and decrease overall health care utilization and costs. However, the United States continues to lag behind other countries in the adoption and use of HIT.

Objective: To review the various issues surrounding the implementation of HIT in the United States and potential drivers that will influence the use of e-prescribing and EHR.

Medicare Part D-a roundtable discussion of current issues and trends.

Background: Medicare Part D was introduced with a goal of providing access to prescription drug coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries. Regulatory mandates and the changing landscape of health care require continued evaluation of the state of the Part D benefit.

Objective: To review the current state of plan offerings and highlight key issues regarding the administration of the Part D benefit.