This article outlines the development, successes, and future directions of the Medicare Peer Review Organization (PRO) program. As established by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, the purpose of the PRO program is to promote the quality, medical necessity, and appropriateness of services reimbursed through Medicare. We describe the evolution of the PRO program from a retrospective quality review approach, focused on individual events, to a proactive, quality improvement approach. Priorities for future development are described, including the identification of additional clinical areas for attention, improvements in program infrastructure, and broadening the scope of projects to new provider settings.
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Int Immunopharmacol
January 2025
School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan; PhD Program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan. Electronic address:
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itching and redness, affecting individuals of all ages and significantly impairing their quality of life. The prevalence of AD is rising, posing serious health concern. Relief of itching is a primary treatment objective; however, steroid treatments can lead to adverse effects, including skin barrier thinning.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNarra J
December 2024
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prevalent autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems. Disease progression is inevitable as part of its natural course, necessitating aggressive therapeutic strategies, particularly with the use of immunosuppressants. Long-term use of steroids and other immunosuppressants is associated with significant adverse effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNarra J
December 2024
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Harapan Kita Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Understanding the significance of handgrip strength is essential for identifying frailty in heart failure patients. The aim of this study was to identify the association between handgrip strength and cardiorespiratory endurance while highlighting the importance of the musculoskeletal system in cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Harapan Kita Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 2022 to April 2023, among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) attributed to cardiomyopathy or coronary artery disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNarra J
December 2024
Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
A worldwide issue, vitamin D deficiency affects pregnant mothers and babies everywhere, including Indonesia. It involves the adaptive immune system by controlling the production of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the balance between humoral (Th2) and cell-mediated (Th1) immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and the cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 in infants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNarra J
December 2024
Research Center for Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has encouraged global vaccine research, yet vaccine effectiveness in the elderly remains a concern due to immunosenescence. The aim of this study was to compare the cytokine response elicited by an inactivated virus-based COVID-19 vaccine between elderly and young adults, focusing on key cytokines involved in cellular and humoral immunity: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jakarta-Bogor region of Indonesia from January 2023 to December 2023.
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