CHS Pharmacy News
January 2023
Business & Holiday Hours
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
Normal business hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F, and 9 AM – 3PM Saturday and Closed on Sunday
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
Pay Status Changes
To streamline billing procedures for both residents and facilities, please contact our pharmacy team regarding any resident pay status changes. Examples include, but not limited to: Medicare eligibility, Medicare A Skilled, Medicaid Pending and admission/discharge for Hospice Services.
Returnable Medications
Certain forms of medication cannot be returned to the pharmacy for credit since they can only be used for one person once opened. These could include inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments, liquids or insulins. Consider having the physician sign an order allowing the resident to take these medications with them upon discharge from the facility, providing the order is still active.
National Glaucoma Awareness Month*
“Glaucoma’s one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. It’s a group of diseases where pressure (usually) builds up and damages the eye’s optic nerve. National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in January, reminds all of us to get regular eye exams and show support for those suffering. Types of this disease include open–angle glaucoma, which causes peripheral eyesight to slowly diminish, angle–closure glaucoma, where pressure on the iris interferes with fluid draining, and low–tension glaucoma, which occurs without elevated pressure on the eye. There’s currently no way to restore vision lost from glaucoma.”
What’s Wrong with this MAR Entry
Depakote ER 250mg Tablet
Give Depakote ER 375mg (1.5 tabs) by mouth as needed for disruptive behaviors.
- Depakote ER cannot be crushed, chewed, or split because it is an extended-release formulation. Long-acting dosage forms deliver medication over a prolonged period of time. Breaking the tablet may cause an immediate release of the drug, which can increase adverse effects.
- Drugs such as Depakote should not be given as needed. This prevents steady drug levels from being obtained and can increase risk of side effects, especially drowsiness.
New Year’s Day Trivia**
- How large is the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball in diameter?
- How many light bulbs covered the first Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball?
- How much does the Times Square ball weigh?
- What two years did the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball not drop?
New Year’s Day Trivia Answers
- 12 feet
- 100 light bulbs
- 11,875 pounds
- 1942 and 1943
If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.