Characteristics of Prescription Drug Use Among Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis in the US Medicare Population
Authors: Hartung Daniel M. , Johnston Kirbee A. , McGregor Jessina C. , Bourdette Dennis N. 
Published: April 2022

CE Information

Activity Available Online: To access the article and evaluation online, go to https://www.highmarksce.com/mscare.

Target Audience: The target audience for this activity is physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nursing professionals, pharmacists, and other health care providers involved in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Learning Objectives: Recognize the frequency of utilization of non-DMT medications by MS patients and integrate questions about their use into patient history. Characterize and be mindful of the out-of-pocket cost burden of DMT and non-DMT medication use in patients with MS.

Accreditation Statement: In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Intellisphere, LLC. CMSC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the health care team.

This activity was planned by and for the health care team, and learners will receive 0.5 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.

For Physicians: The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers designates this journal-based activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For Nurses: This activity is awarded 0.5 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) (0.5 of these credits are in the area of pharmacology).

For Pharmacists: This knowledge-based activity (UAN JA4008165-9999-22-020-H01-P) qualifies for 0.5 contact hours (0.05 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit.

For Physician Assistants: The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 0.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until April 1, 2023. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

It is the policy of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers to mitigate all relevant financial disclosures from planners, faculty, and other persons that can affect the content of this CE activity. For this activity, all relevant disclosures have been mitigated.

Disclosures: Francois Bethoux, MD, editor in chief of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC), has served as Physician Planner for this activity. He has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Alissa Mary Willis, MD, Associate Editor of IJMSC, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Daniel Hartung, PharmD, MPH, consults for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. Leorah Freeman, MD, PhD, has served as a consultant for Genentech, Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb, EMD Serono, TG Therapeutics, and Novartis; and has received grant/program support from EMD Serono and Genentech.

The staff at IJMSC, CMSC, and Intellisphere, LLC who are in a position to influence content have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Laurie Scudder, DNP, NP, Continuing Education Director CMSC, has served as a planner and reviewer for this activity. She has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Method of Participation:

Release Date: April 1, 2022; Valid for Credit through: April 1, 2023

In order to receive CE credit, participants must: (1) Review the continuing education information, including learning objectives and author disclosures.(2) Study the educational content.(3) Complete the evaluation, which is available at https://www.highmarksce.com/mscare.

Statements of Credit are awarded upon successful completion of the evaluation. There is no fee to participate in this activity.

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not approved by the FDA. The CMSC and Intellisphere, LLC do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of the CMSC or Intellisphere, LLC.

Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any medications, diagnostic procedures, or treatments discussed in this publication should not be used by clinicians or other health care professionals without first evaluating their patients’ conditions, considering possible contraindications or risks, reviewing any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparing any therapeutic approach with the recommendations of other authorities.