Evaluating the Economic and Societal Challenges of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema

Evaluating the Economic and Societal Challenges of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema is organized by Pharmacy Times Continuing Education (PTCE). 

Release Date: May 31, 2019
Expiration Date: May 31, 2020

Target Audience: 
Specialty Pharmacists and Managed Care Professionals.

Accreditation:
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs)

Program Description:
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. Medical costs have been estimated to be about 31% higher over a 1-year period and 29% higher over a 3-year period in Medicare patients with untreated DME compared with unaffected patients with diabetes. Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors are recommended to reduce the risk of vision loss. Specialty pharmacists are integral members of a patient’s health care team and have a significant impact on the care and management of patients with DME. Additionally, these health care professionals may be closely involved in formulary design and agent substitution, which may decrease health care utilization and improve clinical outcomes in patients with DME.

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
• Examine diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, including prevalence, pathophysiology, and social and economic burden of disease on patients’ quality of life
• Identify current and emerging treatment options for diabetic macular edema
• Explore how managed care pharmacists can contribute to the management of this disease in order to minimize disease burden