Free Pharmacology Hours- Best Practice in Care for Menopausal Patients

Best Practice in Care for the Menopausal Patient: 14 Years after the Women's Health Initiative- Initial and subsequent findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) resulted in confusion regarding the safety and efficacy of menopause hormone therapy (MHT). Additional studies and reanalysis of the WHI findings over the past 14 years have brought management of menopausal symptoms back to the forefront in women’s health. This interactive activity is designed to update primary care and women’s health providers on the most current evidence-based practices in managing menopausal symptoms and evaluating individualized benefits vs risks of patients based on personal and family history. A review of the WHI will be included as well as an examination of FDA and off-label MHT pharmacologic therapeutic options. Other topics included non pharmacologic symptom management choices and non-hormonal agents that are guideline-based for women who either don’t want to take hormonal agents or who cannot take MHT. Identify key conclusions of the preliminary and subsequent findings of the WHI as reported by the Principal Investigators of the study. Describe reporting components from the WHI conclusions that factored into misinterpretations into the analysis of risks and benefits associated with use of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. Discuss the short- and long-term consequences to menopausal women, especially in younger women who are likely to be more symptomatic, if clinicians do not explore the severity of menopausal transition in their aging female patients. Discuss evidence-based hormone therapy guidelines issued from renowned health organizations for treatment and management of various symptoms and comorbidities associated with menopausal transition. Apply risk benefits to the clinical case studies presented to determine best practice decisions in recommending pharmacological vs non-pharmacological therapeutic options for management of menopausal transition.

1.25 Free CEUs for Advanced Practice Nurses which includes 1.25 Free Pharmacology Hours

Tips for Clinical Documention in Asthma Management

Asthma Management and Tips for Clinical Documentation- Whether you know the step approach to asthma therapy like the back of your hand, or rely on pulling it up in an app when a patient presents with asthma, the goal of this presentation is to review asthma management guidelines in a simple, concrete way to ensure the appropriate classification of asthma severity. Clinicians tend to underestimate asthma severity which can lead to inappropriate therapy. National asthma guidelines recommend assessment and documentation of asthma severity at each office visit which directs clinicians to consider the long-term management of asthma, rather than just acute treatment of the disease. Does your documentation reflect all that was assessed, discussed, determined and agreed upon at the visit? The clinical documentation of asthma severity includes indicators of quality care such as receipt of an action plan, spacer device, peak flow meter, asthma education and influenza vaccination. The chart must reflect supportive documentation regarding the specific ICD-10 diagnosis (es) selected. This presentation also will provide tips to consider for improved chart documentation of asthma in your clinical practice setting. Understand how to classify asthma severity and control. Evaluate the stepwise approach in asthma management. Review optimal pharmacotherapy options in the provision of quality asthma care. Enhance clinical documentation skills for appropriate coding and reimbursement.

1.25  Free CEUs for Advanced Practice Nurses

Expires 11/30/18

Free Pharmacology Hours- Improving Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients

Meeting Quality Measures and Improving Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients With Comorbidities: Where Do New Therapies Fit? Describe the interrelationships of pathophysiology in heart failure (HF) and metabolic syndrome. Assess how current HF therapies can be used synergistically in the treatment of patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of newly approved therapies for treating patients with HF and comorbid metabolic syndrome.

1.0 Free Contact Hours for Nurse Practitioners which includes 1.0 Hours of Pharmacology

Expires 12/16/17

Educational funding donation provided by Amgen and an educational grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

4.0 Free CEUs- Preventive Healthcare

Preventive Health Care- Screening is an effective method for detecting and preventing acute and chronic diseases. In the United States healthcare tends to be provided after someone has become unwell and medical attention is sought. Poor health habits play a large part in the pathogenesis and progression of many common, chronic diseases. Conversely, healthy habits are very effective at preventing many diseases. The common causes of chronic disease and prevention are discussed with a primary focus on the role of health professionals to provide preventive healthcare and to educate patients to recognize risk factors and to avoid a chronic disease.

4.0 Free CEUs for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.5 Free Hours of Pharmacology

Free Pharmacology Hours: Head Lice- Diagnosis and Treatment

Head Lice: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment- Head lice infestation (also known as pediculosis) is the infection of the head hair and scalp by the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. The condition is common in the United States, particularly among the young; an estimated 14 million individuals are treated for head lice annually, with 6 to 12 million being children. Once infection occurs, the head lice irritate the skin and/or scalp and cause itching. Discuss the etiology and biology of head lice infestation Identify signs and symptoms of head lice infestation and distinguish between active infestation and other material in hair Evaluate the effectiveness and risks of various prescription and over-the-counter lice treatment options, particularly newer agents Counsel parents and patients on proper implementation of various treatments for head lice

1.0 Free CEUs for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.5 Free Hours of Pharmacology

Expires 9/1/17

Congestive Heart Failure- Free Hour of Pharmacology

Heart Failure Management: A 2016 Update List two new drug classes approved in 2015 for the treatment of heart failure. List two specific goals for patient education regarding risk and benefit for these new therapies. Identify the indications for the use of ivabradine. Identify the indications for the use of the combination agent sacubitril/valsartan in the patient with heart failure.


1.0 Free CEUs for Advanced Nurse Practitioners which includes 1.0  Free Hours of Pharmacology

Expires 9/2017

Optimizing Treatment for HIV-infected Patients

Antiretroviral Therapy: Optimizing Treatment for HIV-infected Patients- With over 25 approved antiretroviral medications available in the U.S., clinicians are faced with multiple excellent options for initial treatment of an HIV-infected patient. Choosing between these options should be guided by specific characteristics of the patient (e.g. presence or absence of drug resistance, comorbidities, HLA-B5701 status), particular features of the regimen (drug-drug interactions, dosing frequency, food requirements), and patient preferences. Thus, antiretroviral therapy in 2016 is not one-size-fits-all; rather, therapy should be individualized and personalized. Review considerations involved in choosing an antiretroviral regimen for initial therapy, Evaluate options for switching therapy when a patient is experiencing side effects or drug-drug interactions, and Review best practices for monitoring HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy.

2.0 Free Contact Hours for Nurse Practitioners which includes 2.0 Free Hours of Pharmacology

Expires 10/15/17

Support for this activity has been made possible through an educational grant from Gilead Sciences.

Insurance Billing and Coding for Obesity Medicine

Insurance Billing & Coding- As the obesity epidemic progresses, healthcare professionals should look toward educational forums to learn about the most modern advances in research, treatment, and best business practices to improve the quality of life for individuals who are obese and overweight. The conference promotes educational advancement by merging academic and clinical experts with professionals, and provides an opportunity for networking and the exchange of indispensable knowledge. List the steps necessary to keep up to date on latest regarding billing for obesity medicine. Explain why preventive billing and coding did not work for us. Describe how sick billing coding works for us.

0.75  Free CEUs for Nurse Practitioners

Expires 10/11/17

Emerging Insulin Agents- Your Role in Improving Diabetes Outcomes

Emerging Insulin Agents and the Pivotal Role of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Improving Diabetes Outcomes- In the US in 2012, 29.1 million people (9.1% of the population) had diabetes. Some projections estimate that diabetes will affect up to 50% of the US population by 2020, or as many as 1 in 3 Americans. Implementation of effective and aggressive evidence-based diabetes care can change this grim trajectory. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) play an increasingly pivotal role in managing diabetes patients and controlling morbidity and mortality. As frontline providers, NPs and PAs are in an ideal position to recognize and initiate corrective measures for inadequate treatments, help patients set and achieve therapeutic goals, and assess diabetes-related complications as they arise. NPs and PAs also play an active role in educating patients about their therapies, administrations, and dosages. Apply knowledge of the phamacokinetic profiles of insulin formulations to develop an individualized insulin regimen from diagnosis to ongoing management, ensuring achievement of HbA1c goals and reducing the risk of complications. Evaluate the place of new and emerging insulin formulations in the treatment armamentarium for diabetes. Incorporate effective strategies for providing patient education and psychological support for patients with diabetes who are initiating or continuing insulin therapy.

1.0 Free Contact Hours for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.25 Free Hours of Pharmacology

Expires 11/25/17

Addressing the Contraception Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults

Addressing the Contraception Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults- Despite improvements in the safety and tolerability of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs), as well as current guideline recommendations, recent studies suggest that physician attitudes have been slow to change. Physicians' concerns regarding the use of LARCs may reduce patient counseling regarding this option, which in turn will limit a patient's knowledge regarding LARC use and safety and as a consequence result in underuse. These findings suggest that there is a significant unmet need for educational interventions targeting health providers concerning the safety of LARCs for young and nulliparous women which may play an important role in increasing access to LARCs for this population. Describe the rate of unintended pregnancy in the United States. Identify evidence-based guidelines about contraceptive eligibility criteria. Describe contraception counseling utilizing a shared decision making framework. Counsel patients about a range of contraception options including method initiation and management of common side effects. Discuss the safety and efficacy of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) including IUDs and implants. List clinician and patient contraception related resources. Consider systems practices which can affect contraceptive initiation and continuation.

1.0 Free Contact Hours for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.5 free hours of pharmacology

This course also offers Free CME for Physicians

Expires 7/31/17

Improving Management of Depression in Primary Care

Improving the Management of Depression in Primary Care: Insights into Diagnosis and Treatment- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders diagnosed in the United States, with an estimated 16% of US adults experiencing MDD at some point during their lifetimes. According to the American Medical Association, chronic depression is often untreated and, on average, patients with depression receive the recommended quality of care only 58% of the time. The goal of this activity is to expand knowledge, skills, and competency among nurse practitioners (NPs) in diagnosing and selecting optimal individualized therapy for adults with MDD, ultimately helping to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Summarize guideline changes in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, that impact the diagnosis and assessment of MDD. Assess the severity and risks of depression at the time of diagnosis. Summarize current evidence for efficacy and safety of new therapies recently approved for the treatment of depression. Develop customized treatment regimens for adults with depression, considering medication efficacy and safety, drug interactions, dosing options, and patient comorbidities. Explain the benefits of using rating scales to assess patient response to depression treatment and medication side effects.

1.0 Free CEUs for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.5 Free Pharmacology Hours

Expires 6/1/18

Rehab and the Obese Patient

Changing Health Behavior: The Challenge of the Rehab Patient- As the obesity epidemic progresses, healthcare professionals should look toward educational forums to learn about the most modern advances in research, treatment, and best business practices to improve the quality of life for individuals who are obese and overweight. Learn addiction-related strategies that can be used to improve weight loss outcomes. Describe the clinical characteristics and effective treatments for eating disorders.




1.0 Free CEUs for Nurse Practitioners