From our partners at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP): One problem often seen with coverage orders is the clarity of handwritten orders from physicians, a particular problem when an organization does not have a standardized protocol or order form to order insulin, including the type of coverage (e.g., low, high). Adding to the complexity of these orders are the multiple values often used for multiple ranges of blood sugars. Problems have also occurred when shortcuts are taken when writing these types of orders for insulin. For example, orders have been written stating doses of insulin as "6+1" or "6+2" instead of writing out "7" or "8" (see Figure 1)....

This week, we continue with our Homerun Slides series on quality reporting, with some facts and data to help you in further understanding how Accountable Care Organizations fit into the picture.

With all of the discussion in the medical community and beyond regarding new drug approvals for diabetes, it is easy to forget that many of these drugs are not approved for children and adolescents. Silva A. Arslanian, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explains why this is and describes the treatment options available to pediatricans treating diabetes and one possibe medication which may be studied in the future....