In continuing coverage, the Wall Street Journal (3/3, Silverman) “Pharmalot” blog reports that in the wake of growing concern over rampant overprescribing of antipsychotic medicines to the elderly, a Federal government report has found that it is in fact prevalent, pointing out that the HHS hasn’t taken adequate steps to tackle the problem for those living in nursing homes as well as those living elsewhere.
Providing details of the GAO report, The Hill (3/3, Ferris) reports “nearly 15 percent of older Americans enrolled in the government’s prescription healthcare program, Medicare Part D, were prescribed an antipsychotic prescription in 2012.” The report notes prescriptions “cost nearly $400 million that year alone.”
Related Links:
— “Feds do Little to Halt Antipsychotic use Among Elderly not in Nursing Homes,” Ed Silverman, Wall Street Journal, March 2, 2015.