In our promise to inspire, serve and advocate for older adults in Oklahoma, LeadingAge acknowledges the need for education and adoption of innovative technology and solutions for culture change. We are very proud to be an association of members who are forward-thinking and redefining the traditional “standards of care”. Members who are embracing a new standard that allows residents to Live Longer… Better.
LeadingAge Oklahoma is excited to announce our strategic partnership with PGx Medical. PGx Medical’s President, Clay Bullard, spoke at our Spring Conference a few weeks ago and was very well received.
The PGx Metabolic Validation Program allows for a personalized/unique patient report validating the patient is getting the right drug, in the right dose, for the right diagnosis based upon how each individual patient metabolizes certain medications. This helps eliminate unnecessary medications, reduce possible side effect, help maintain mobility, reduce falls and avoid drug on drug interaction that can have significant and often negative effects.
PGx Medical helps facilities and communities gain an understanding of the role metabolic validation testing can and should have within the care provided to older Oklahomans. They also educate the facility owners, physicians, administrators, and staff as to the value the test results can have on the bottom line and helping their residents be more active and age in place.
We chose to partner with PGx for three very specific reasons. First, we have seen in many of our members’ facilities that this tool can have a tremendously positive effect with residents they serve. Secondly, PGx has been advocating with the Oklahoma Dept. of Health – LTC Division (under former leader Dorya Huser and now Director Mike Cook) with ongoing training for the State Surveyors and speaking at the State Education Symposiums throughout the 2014 calendar year to help with CMS Psychotropic Med Reduction and Unnecessary Med Reductions Initiatives. Thirdly, this technology should inspire us all to look at what we are doing and realizing that new tools are available to provide better care and accessible with no cost to our members.
Finally, I encourage you all to reach out to PGx Medical to have them educate your team of caregivers on the value this tool can provide. Work with your physicians and encourage them to work with you to provide the best care possible with the best tools available.
The PGx website is www.pgxmed.com and they can be reached via phone at (405) 509-5112. I am more than happy to give you my insights on the value this tool affords our members and you can reach me via email at mary@LeadingAgeOK.org.
Join me in welcoming PGx to the LeadingAge Oklahoma family, and embrace the technology they provide to help us all fulfill our promise to be forward thinking in enhancing the level of care we provide the residents of Oklahoma we serve.