Laboratory testing to identify contraindications and adverse drug reactions is important for safety of patients initiating angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Rates and predictors of appropriate testing among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries are unknown. In this HCFO-funded study, the researchers examined baseline laboratory testing rates to identify predictors of suboptimal testing and to assess the prevalence of abnormal creatinine and potassium among beneficiaries initiating ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Laboratory testing to identify contraindications and adverse drug reactions is important for safety of patients initiating angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Rates and predictors of appropriate testing among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries are unknown. In this HCFO-funded study, the researchers examined baseline laboratory testing rates to identify predictors of suboptimal testing and to assess the prevalence of abnormal creatinine and potassium among beneficiaries initiating ACE inhibitors or ARBs.