Those patients with health insurance that includes a prescription drug plan have access to certain brand and generic medications, based on their formulary. However, when it comes to cost-saving options for prescriptions, there are several ways patients can lower their bill from the pharmacy.¹

Know Your Formulary

There is a reason your formulary is also called a preferred drug list, as it includes those preferred brand and generic medications, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are covered by your health plan at different co-pay levels. Therefore, medications not on your formulary may cost you more.²

Commonly, formularies have a 3-tiered system, where Tier 1 represents the lowest co-pay for brand-name drugs and generics, with higher co-payments for Tiers 2 and 3.²

Create a list of medications you are currently taking and compare it to your formulary. Knowing which medications are on your formulary and at what tier will help you better work with your doctor to prescribe preferred medications that are appropriate for you, which in-turn will add up to savings.³

In the case of branded medications, some are considered to have excellent formulary coverage. For example, NEXIUM® (esomeprazole magnesium), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), has excellent formulary coverage for 2011 with 72 percent of patients with private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare Part D having access to it at the Tier 1 or Tier 2 level.⁴

Look for Prescription Savings Cards

Some brand-name drugs offer their own savings cards, extending additional discounts to patients prescribed these drugs, potentially lowering their co-pay. After making a list of your medications, visit the websites for these drugs or call the manufacturer to see if they offer a savings card and if you are eligible to use one the next time you fill a prescription.

One example of a brand-name prescription savings card is for the medication NEXIUM. The NEXIUM Savings Card offers eligible patients instant discounts on their prescriptions for NEXIUM, potentially saving the patient up to $600 annually, with most patients paying $18 each on up to 12 prescriptions of NEXIUM.^5,6 The card does not require activation or program enrollment. Patients can simply download one from purplepill.com or receive a card in the mail by calling            1-800-503-9880      , Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm ET.^5,6

Enroll in Patient Assistance Programs

Another valuable resource to help lower the cost of prescription medications is enrolling in Patient Assistance Programs (PAP). These programs are offered by states and pharmaceutical manufacturers to assist patients in accessing medicines they need to stay healthy, sometimes at little to no cost to patients. As every program is different, it’s important to check the eligibility requirements to see if you are able to enroll and begin saving on your prescriptions.⁷

Register for Mail Order

Finally, mail order is an additional savings method that you can enroll in, depending on the options in your health insurance, which offers discounts on the prescription medications you take on an ongoing basis.⁸

You should speak with your health insurance company to see if there is a mail order program that is a part of your plan and if you are eligible to participate. In some cases, enrolled patients can order up to a 90-day supply of medications at a discounted price, and with the convenience of not having to visit the pharmacy to refill a prescription.⁹

All of these options for saving on prescription medications are readily available either on your health insurance company’s website or the websites of the medications you are taking.  Work with your doctor to discuss options that meet both your medical and financial requirements so you are getting the treatment that is best for you.

Important Safety Information about NEXIUM

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for:

Bone fractures if you take multiple daily doses of NEXIUM for a long period of time.

Low magnesium levels if you take NEXIUM for a long period of time.

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. NEXIUM may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how NEXIUM works.

Side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Approved Uses for NEXIUM

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Please read the full Prescribing Information on purplepill.com and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visitwww.FDA.gov/medwatch or call             1-800-FDA-1088      .

¹ Blue of California. “Drug Formulary.” Available at https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsc/pharmacy/faqs/pharmacy_faqs_drug_formulary.jhtml. Accessed on March 15, 2011.
² Aetna. “Build in ways to save on prescription drugs.”  Available at http://www.aetna.com/employer-plans/sas/healthysavings/pharmacy.html. Accessed on July 19, 2011
³ BCBS of Tennessee. “Top 10 Ways to Save Money.” Available at http://www.bcbst.com/learn/pharmacy/top-10.shtml. Accessed on July 19, 2011
⁴ Data on file, # [1247300, 1045404]: Fingertip Formulary database as of May 24, 2011.
⁵ Atlas # 1245901: Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions, Dynamic Claims, six months ending March 2011. Accessed on May 23, 2011.
⁶ Atlas # 1315801 7/11.
⁷ RxAssist. “Frequently Asked Questions About Patient Assistance Programs.” Available at http://www.rxassist.org/faqs/default.cfm#1. Accessed on July 25, 2011.
⁸ WebMd. “Beyond the Pharmacy: Online and Mail Order Prescription Drugs.” Available at http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/beyond-the-pharmacy-online-and-mail-order-prescription-drugs. Accessed on July 20, 2011.
⁹ BCBS of Michigan. “Mail Order Prescription Drug Program.” Available at http://www.bcbsm.com/member/prescription_drugs/mail_order.shtml. Accessed on July 20, 2011.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/2011/09/21/savings-on-prescriptions-in-new-jersey/

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

You can reduce your risk for breast cancer by leading a healthier lifestyle – including exercising regularly, making healthier choices when it comes to eating and drinking, and limiting your exposure to tobacco and alcohol. The changes don’t have to be drastic – start with simple changes, such as swapping one sugar-sweetened beverage a day for water, adding fruit and vegetables to your diet or taking the dog for an extra-long walk.

2. Know your history and how to detect the symptoms

Despite a healthy lifestyle, if you have a family history of breast cancer, that adds to your risk. So, it’s crucial to know if any of your close relatives have had the disease. In addition, there are factors you can be on the lookout for as warning signs at almost any age. The American Cancer Societyrecommends starting routine self-examinations in your 20′s, so you can report any changes or concerns to your health care provider.  You can also visit MayoClinic.com for more information. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.

3. Support research and the mission to find a cure

Great work has been done to improve the treatment of breast cancer and researchers are working tirelessly towards a cure. In order to continue their intensive and innovative research, they need the support of organizations, such as The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), to help fund their work. BCRF, for example, directs more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to breast cancer research and awareness programs.

There are simple ways for you to get involved – from buying products that support these types of organizations to hosting a fundraiser with friends. Nestle Pure Life brand bottled water is a great example, spotlighting breast cancer awareness on its packaging nationwide and in Canada during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).  For every specially marked “pink ribbon” package produced, the company will donate 10 cents to BCRF (minimum donation of $350,000). The funding will support a BCRF grant directed to researchers who are working on innovative ways to prevent, treat and cure all aspects of breast cancer.

For more information on how to get involved in raising awareness and on the latest research and breakthroughs, visit BCRFCure.org. There are even more tips on precautions you and your loved ones can take to reduce your risk and get involved.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/2011/09/22/understanding-risks-is-half-the-battle-against-breast-cancer/

(ARA) – For patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain is a part of life. Nearly 70 percent of people being treated for RA, experience pain, stiffness or fatigue on a daily basis. However, many patients don’t realize that better communication with their rheumatologist could lead to improved care.

Studies have shown that earlier treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which can limit loss of movement.

“Talking to your doctor and effectively communicating how RA affects your life are keys to improving the management of your disease,” says Dr. John H. Klippel, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “Patients need to recognize that the rheumatologist has the very same goal as they do – to understand how RA affects their life and to develop a plan to manage their disease.”

RA is a serious form of arthritis that impacts more than 1.3 million people in the United States alone. The chronic inflammation in the lining of joints that defines RA can lead to decreased range of motion and permanent joint damage.

The Arthritis Foundation suggests RA patients do some homework before visiting their doctor by “Taking P.A.R.T.”:

Prepare: You should keep a journal of symptoms and compile a list of questions for your doctor. List all of your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, and even herbal supplements.

Ask questions: You should ask questions whenever something doesn’t seem clear. This will help to ensure you understand what’s going on and how to best manage your condition. Keep it simple, specific and direct.

Repeat: Take notes and repeat the instructions and information you receive from your doctor to make sure you heard and understand it. Ask for written handouts and instructions.

Take action: Be part of the solution. Let your doctor know about your lifestyle, concerns, and preferences so a treatment plan can be customized to your specific needs.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/2011/09/23/rheumatoid-arthritis-management-2/

But the most important thing you can do to prevent the flu is get vaccinated each year. CVS pharmacist Shirley Scott offers five things you may not know about flu vaccination.

1. Even if you were vaccinated last year or early in 2011, you still need to get a flu shot this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone ages 6 months or older should get a flu shot, including those who were vaccinated last season. The flu vaccine’s ability to help protect you declines from one year to the next. So even though the vaccine has the same ingredients as last season, you still need to get a flu shot. Remember that vaccination is your first line of defense against the flu.

2. You should get a flu shot as early as possible.
It takes about two weeks for your body to develop full protection against flu symptoms. Seasonal flu can be unpredictable, and even healthy people can get seriously ill from the flu. For best protection, it’s important to get a flu shot as soon as it is available.

3. Flu vaccinations are easier than ever to obtain.
A CDC report released in June 2011 shows that retail pharmacies are becoming an increasingly popular destination for flu vaccines. Flu shots are available from immunizing pharmacists at more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy stores and by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at more than 500 MinuteClinic locations nationwide. Flu vaccinations are available every day with no appointment necessary, including evenings and weekends.

4. You may be able to get a flu shot at no cost.
Many insurance plans cover flu vaccinations. With the expansion of health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive health care services, including the seasonal flu vaccine, are available to even more individuals at no cost than ever before. Most seniors are covered by Medicare Part B. CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic also offer direct medical billing to many national and regional health insurance plans for a flu shot this season.

5. There’s a new vaccine that offers seniors another choice to protect themselves against the flu.
This year, Fluzone High-Dose, a new vaccine designed specifically for people 65 years and older, is available. This higher dose vaccine provides stronger protection to this age group, which is at greater risk of severe illness from the flu. Fluzone High-Dose is comprised of the same ingredients as the standard flu shot, but causes the body to produce more of the disease fighting substances that provide protection against the flu.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/2011/09/13/you-vs-flu-5-things-you-may-not-know/

Diabetes is a disease that must be managed 24/7, 365 days a year. At home, these children have parents, baby sitters and others to assist them. Similarly, there needs to be someone available to help during the many hours students spend at school and school-sponsored activities. For some students, that means having trained school personnel to help with the insulin they need to survive; for all students, it means someone who knows how to help in an emergency. And although diabetes experts agree that school personnel can be easily trained to help a child with diabetes in need, there are many examples where students are left on their own and often aren’t welcome at school because of their diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School Campaign has worked for years to make sure all children with diabetes have the care they need at school and the same educational opportunities as their classmates. Keeping a child with diabetes safe at school requires a collaborative effort among parents, doctors and other diabetes health care professionals, school nurses, teachers and administrators. Accordingly, the Association has developed the resources needed by parents and all members of the school care team. Through the Association’s Safe at School Campaign, thousands of families and schools have worked together to develop plans for safe care at school. In many states, statewide policies were developed specific to diabetes care at school. Recent legislative successes include state laws in Florida and Illinois that prohibit segregation based on diabetes, allow students who are able to do so to self-manage their disease, and ensure school personnel are permitted to provide the care that students with diabetes need to succeed.

“It is vital to ensure that all children with diabetes have the same educational opportunities as their peers,” says Linda Siminerio, RN, PhD, CDE, co-chair of the Safe at School Working Group. “The American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School Campaign trains parents, health care professionals and school personnel to make sure children with diabetes have the care they need, and are not being discriminated against or placed in life-threatening situations.”

But in other states, widespread problems remain. In California, for example, there is only one school nurse for every 2,200 students and a record of students not getting the insulin they need at school. Some students became ill and others were placed at increased risk of long-term complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputation. Some parents lost their jobs because of the need to leave the workplace to attend to their children. In a lawsuit currently pending before the state supreme court, the Association is arguing that under both state and federal law, school employees should be allowed to volunteer to be trained to help a child with diabetes in need. Supporting the Association is a broad array of agencies and organizations including the United States Departments of Justice and Education, the California Department of Education, diabetes medical experts, school boards, and civil rights organizations.

“The American Diabetes Association is fighting every day, in California and across the country, to Stop Diabetes and make sure that children with diabetes are never abandoned at school,” says John W. Griffin, Jr., chair of the board, American Diabetes Association. “Diabetes experts from parents to doctors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree the solution is to train non-medical personnel to safely administer diabetes medications in school when a nurse is not available, just as family and friends of children with diabetes are trained every day.”

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/2011/09/20/creating-safety-and-fairness-for-students-with-diabetes/

Scotch Plains, NJ – September 2011

NJ Top Docs and NJ Top Dentists is now proudly profiling the following newly approved healthcare providers. To be profiled NJ Top Doctors and NJ Top Dentists must pass our screening process which involves verifying their New Jersey license, Board Certifications and malpractice insurance as well as checking their disciplinary record.

NJ Top Doctors Include:

Primary Care
Plaza Family Care
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics & Family Practice
Warren, Morris & Sussex Counties

Psychiatry/Psychology
Dr. Sherry Barron-Seabrook (Neuro Behavioral Association, LLC
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Essex County

Dr. Susan Blank
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Union County

Dr. Lawrence P. Clinton
Psychiatry, Behavioral Health & Pediatric – Psychological Services
Cumberland County

Dr. Juan Formento
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Monmouth County

Dr. Lauren D. LaPorta (St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center)
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Passaic County

Dr. David I. Mayerhoff (Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital)
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Morris, Essex & Bergen Counties

Orthopedics

Dr. Robert Kayal (Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC)
Orthopedic (Surgery, Spinal Disorders, Foot & Ankle) & Spinal Disorders
Essex, Passaic, Bergen & Hudson Counties

NJ Top Dentists Include:

General Dentistry
Dr. John Beckwith (Cornerstone Dental)
General Dentistry
Somerset County

Dr. David L. Castellano
General Dentistry
Somerset County

Dr. Mike Mavrostomos (Bedminster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry)
General Dentistry
Somerset County

Dr. Konstantine Trichas
General Dentistry
Essex County

Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Jay Felsenstein (Kids Dental Kare)
Pediatric Dentistry
Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Counties

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Michael Markoff & Dr. Marianne Cifelli (Randolph Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, PA)
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Morris, Warren & Sussex Counties

Orthodontics

Dr. Tina Chung
Orthodontics
Passaic County

Periodontics

Dr. Sophia Chadda
Periodontics
Somerset County

Dr. David Goldberg
Periodontics
Somerset County

These providers were chosen based a number of criteria including but not limited to:
• Years in practice
• Board certification review
• Review of malpractice insurance
• Continuing education requirements
• Patient reviews

NJ Top Docs is a comprehensive information resource of Top Doctors, Dentists and Hospitals. We profile over 900 Healthcare Providers, in over 100 specialties across the state and have made it convenient for you to find them.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/?p=446

One out of every 20 Americans over age 50 is diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The worst part of this reality is that most people with PAD don’t experience any symptoms. PAD is dangerous, especially when there are no warning signs.

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a progressive disease commonly called clogged arteries in the legs, poor circulation or a hardening of the arteries.

People have PAD when the arteries in their legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque. The buildup of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow, which is called atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. Its severity depends on how early the disease is diagnosed as well as pre-existing health issues.

The primary symptom of PAD is an intermittent cramping of leg muscles during walks or hikes. For some, the pain may feel more like numbness, weakness or heaviness. Whether or not you have symptoms, having PAD means that you are at higher risk for heart attack, stroke and even death.

Many people don’t get tested for PAD because they have no symptoms and never feel a thing. The good news is that proper treatment saves lives. If you’re over 50, talk to your health care provider about getting tested for this disease.

The test for PAD is called the “ABI” or ankle-brachial index. It’s a comparison of blood pressure measurements taken at the arms and ankles. It can also assess the severity of the disease. Despite the presence or lack of symptoms, individuals are their own first line of defense. When face time with actual doctors is limited, it’s helpful to have a list of prepared questions on hand.

The Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF), a non-profit organization dedicated to public awareness and education regarding vascular health, helped form the national PAD Coalition. VDF has compiled some questions patients should ask their doctors about PAD:

• Does my medical history raise my risk for PAD?
• What can I do to reduce my blood sugar level if it’s too high or if I have diabetes?
• What do you recommend to quit smoking?
• What’s my blood pressure?

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/?p=438

As the eye’s lens, located behind the pupil, grows older, its cells die and accumulate. The result is blurred vision and “fuzzy” images. Eye injuries, certain medications and diseases such as diabetes are also known to cause cataracts. In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. But at a certain point, cataract surgery — the most frequently performed operation in the country — may be necessary.

There are three common cataract myths to dispel:

* MYTH 1: Eye drops can prevent or dissolve cataracts.
o FACT: The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drops that cure or delay cataracts. Since cataracts are not a substance, there is nothing for the drops to dissolve.

* MYTH 2: Close-up tasks like reading or sewing make cataracts worse.
o FACT:Cataracts are not caused by how people use their eyes. However, cataracts likely become more noticeable during close work. One sign of a cataract is the need for more light to do the same activities.

* MYTH 3: Cataracts are reversible.
o FACT: The lens naturally clouds as it ages; this process is unavoidable and irreversible. But its progress can be slowed by quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and wearing sunglasses.

If you are age 65 and older and you think you have cataracts, you may qualify for a free eye exam. The eye exams are provided by a program called EyeCare America, an organization that works with nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if you or a loved one qualifies for this care.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/?p=412

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy can help persons suffering from PMS (Premenstrual Snydrome), promote deep relaxation, improve flexibility, increases blood circulation, aids in waste product removal from your exertions, improves emotional and mental well-being, assists in natural healing abilities, and helps strengthen immune system. Reflexology & Meridian therapy additionally improve natural healing mechanisms, reduce inflammation, and improves posture as well.

Additionally, Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are the integration of pressure point and reflexology techniques and the combination of anatomy and physiology with the Meridians and Five Element Theory and practice.

Reflexology is the correspondence of the reflexes in the feet and hands to the organs and all parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes with this unique technique can promote the body’s own healing potential to promote better health. Reflexology is primarily used for relaxing tension.

Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress. Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply, and helps nature balance and harmonize all bodily functions.

Meridian Therapy includes the meridians, their channel pathology; the application of specific pressure points along the meridians and the Five Element theory and practice.

The aim of Meridian Therapy is to keep the body’s vital energy flowing, eliminating blockages, energy loss or stagnation. This therapy is also responsible for stimulating the body’s own healing potential not only to heal itself but also to prevent future imbalances.

The Five Element Theory is used to Determine:

• where the balance has broken down.
• the underlying cause of the imbalance.
• the treatment protocol.

Meridian Therapy extends the scope of Reflexology enormously. It leads to the discovery of exciting additional treatment areas that can be added to the conventional or standard treatment protocol.

To find information about Reflexology & Meridian therapy, see our category directories for Reflexology & Meridian therapy, as well as our Holistic Practitioner directory for Reflexology & Meridian therapy today at HolisticJunction.com!

Copyright – All Rights Reserved: Reflexology & Meridian Therapy by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

About the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction — Your source of information for Holistic Practitioners; Reflexology Schools, Reflexology & Meridian Therapy, Massage Therapy Schools and Naturopathic Schools; Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/?p=398

“It is common for people to wait for symptoms before making doctor appointments,” said Richard P. Mills, MD, MPH. “However, some eye diseases can damage sight before any warning signs are noticed. Getting a simple painless eye exam early could save your sight.”
If you are 65 or older, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost through volunteer ophthalmologists. To see if you are eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org. This online referral center also enables friends and family members to find out instantly if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with one of EyeCare America’s nearly 7,000 volunteers.

Eye health education is a lifelong process. EyeCare America reminds everyone that It’s never too late to learn how to take better care of your eyes, starting with these “ABCs”:
Activate your lifestyle. What’s good for your whole body is also good for your eyes. Get regular exercise and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding fats and sweets.

http://www.njtopdocs.com/pressreleases/?p=375