Program for Thursday May 09, 2024

Speaker: Peter Hollmann, MD

This session will help the attendee become aware of coding that is especially relevant to geriatrics health care professionals. Specific topics that will be addressed include: E/M (office and facility visit codes and Medicare Preventive Medicine codes) and an overview of coding and billing for the geriatrics professional.  Learning Objectives: (1) describe basic coding principles; (2) discuss key Medicare payment rules; and (3) interpret how to relate these to practice management.

Moderator: Kathryn E. Callahan, MD, MS
Sponsored by the Medical and Surgical Specialties Section

This symposium aims to review the current state of the science in pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a particular focus on de-prescribing in alignment with the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Learning Objectives: (1) describe the risk/benefit ratios for intensive glycemic control across the heterogeneity of the older adult population; (2) review characteristics of person, place, and time that serve as effective points of transition to fuel a conversation about de-prescribing; and (3) name current technologies, and current care pathway strategies that show promise for safe and effective de-prescribing.

Sponsored by the Research Committee  
Moderator: Shelly L. Gray, PharmD

This session will present the latest peer-reviewed geriatrics research with questions and answers to follow.  Learning Objectives: (1) discuss new and original geriatrics research; (2) describe an emerging concept or new scientific focus in aging research; and (3) summarize the key findings of projects with relevance to care of older adults.

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83914471795?pwd=4eZTS8dLRYG17MAodSwVXwMybz3SwY.1 

Chair: Brent Schell, MD

Please join other fellows, faculty members, and leaders in geriatrics at the annual Fellows-in-Training meeting. This event is a unique opportunity to share and discuss ideas, past experiences, and future career plans while networking with colleagues and mentors from across the country. 

Sponsored by the Teachers Section and the Education Committee   
Moderator:  Mariah Robertson, MD 
This session presents a forum for teachers of geriatric education to share topics and materials of common interest, such as program development, curriculum, educational process and research in teaching and evaluation. Learning Objective: (1) describe and exchange geriatric education and teaching materials.

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81195725119?pwd=5MGHB6lwEFNa2GVfnlCUHlCs6Ckc8k.1 

Co-Chairs: Lauren Ferrante, MD, MHS & Una Makris, MD, MSc 

Medical and surgical subspecialists will provide updates on activities within their disciplines, thereby showcasing opportunities for specialists to advance a geriatrics agenda within their specialty societies and their institutions. In addition, we will discuss career development topics relevant to junior faculty pursuing aging research.   All medical and surgical subspecialists are encouraged to attend.   

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85902738745?pwd=5dKfxgA9XqyKYhTOnaf3V4A5mv7wFR.1 

Chair: Margaret I. Wallhagen, PhD, GNP-BC, AGSF

Join other nurses, nursing students, and AGS leaders at this special session. The Section meeting will also include time for networking and presentations by AGS nursing leaders.  

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82258217025?pwd=azI3COV5PAQaPyZTtAVWaE4LYxfavZ.1 

Chair: Teresa M. DeLellis, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP & Tasha Woodall, PharmD, BCGP

The Pharmacists Section meeting is an opportunity for pharmacist members of AGS to network, share information about their AGS presentations, and discuss ways to collaborate. 

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88184746134?pwd=3naCDhTF5hkoAcfamLJeuEbrak0xGA.1 

Chair: TBD

Please join other social workers and social work students at the Social Workers Section meeting. This session will provide an opportunity to meet, network, and collaborate with other social workers in the field of aging.  

Sponsored by the Research Committee  
Moderator: Mark A. Supiano, MD

This session will present the top three research abstracts based on average score, quality, originality and methodology of research.  Learning Objectives: (1) describe emerging concepts or a new scientific focus in aging research; and (2) summarize the key findings of research with relevance to care of older adults.

Co-Moderators: Esther S. Oh, MD, PhD & Noll L. Campbell, PharmD, MS
Sponsored by the Clinical Research in Dementia Special Interest Group

This program is intended to provide information for health professionals who want to learn more about the anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody (mab) for treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with focus on lecanemab. Presenters will also discuss donanemab if it is FDA approved by May 2024. Learning Objectives: (1) discuss the evidence and controversies surrounding the new mab AD medications, and how best to choose appropriate patient population, determine therapeutic dose/frequency/duration and monitor for adverse events; (2) review CMS’s approach to addressing access to FDA approved medications and FDA cleared diagnostics, for Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s disease; (3) describe the current brain health inequities in the United States and how beta anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatment will exacerbate these inequities without additional changes to our AD/ADRD prevention, diagnosis and care paradigms; and (4) discuss the healthcare delivery and economic implications of the FDA approval of medications, such as lecanemab, that target a broad population of people at risk or with Alzheimer’s disease.

The AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. In this initiative, AGS leverages existing resources and ongoing investments in content and technology.

This session is intended to provide the latest information for healthcare professionals on vaccinations for older adults and to share how the AGS’ Older Adults Vaccine Initiative is making strides to increase vaccinations. Learning Objectives: (1) review the latest recommendations and guidelines pertaining to vaccination indications and schedules for older patients (2) discuss strategies to actively promote the CDC’s Standards of Adult Immunization Practices (SAIP); and (3) describe approaches to improve vaccination rates among older adults.

Moderator: Nivedita Gunturi MD

In this session targeted for any providers who are practicing clinical medicine particularly in a hospital or PALTC setting, we will address the common pitfalls, myths and misconceptions around dysphagia, diet modification and artificial nutrition in dementia. Learning Objectives: (1) describe pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia; (2) critically review evidence highlighting the presumed benefits and shortcomings of diet modification and tube feeding in dysphagia, particularly the disparities between patients of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds; (3) analyze common barriers to effective and transparent communication regarding the risks and benefits of artificial nutrition; and (4) implement a communication framework for navigating these goals of care conversations with residents and caregivers in a compassionate and person-centered manner. 

Moderator:  Reena Karani, MD, MHPE 

This session will present the latest peer-reviewed geriatrics research with questions and answers to follow.  Learning Objectives: (1) discuss new and original geriatrics research; (2) describe an emerging concept or new scientific focus in aging research; and (3) summarize the key findings of projects with relevance to care of older adults.

Moderator: Elizabeth L. Whitlock, MD, MSc
Sponsored by the Cardiovascular Diseases and Aging Special Interest Group

Despite advances in surgery and anesthesiology, older adults remain at increased risk for postoperative complications, which in turn contribute to increased length of stay, functional decline, reduced quality of life, and increased cost. Learning Objectives: (1) discuss the implications of frailty for perioperative risk and discuss strategies for reducing risk and improving outcomes in frail patients undergoing noncardiac surgery; (2) utilize communication skills for culturally sensitive shared decision making and how to integrate what matters to patients and families into preoperative planning; (3) discuss strategies for perioperative pharmacological management designed to reduce postoperative complications, including delirium, bleeding, and organ-specific disorders; and (4) describe key recommendations from the 2024 ACC/AHA guideline for perioperative cardiovascular care as they pertain to older adults undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Co-Moderators: Sei J. Lee, MD, MAS & Michael H. Perskin, MD
Sponsored by the Quality and Performance Measurement Committee

This session will help clinicians and researchers better understand how quality metrics are developed, validated, endorsed, and finally approved for use. Learning Objectives: (1) describe the organizations and processes that ultimately result in quality metrics that are rolled out to health professionals; (2) identify the different roles played by various organizations in the quality metric process, including AGS, NCQA, Battelle and CMS; and (3) review the various ways to influence the quality metric development process, including engaging with AGS and the QPMC as well as contributing to public comments to CMS and other organizations.

Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging for new and early-stage researchers in cooperation with the AGS Research Committee 
Moderator: Amy S. Kelley, MD, MHSH, Deputy Director, National Institute on Aging

The symposium is intended for investigators with current research training or career development awards, including “T,” “F,” or “K” funding, or GEMSSTARs.  It is also intended for individuals who are interested in learning about these types of grant opportunities. The session targets the needs of new and early career investigators by providing an overview of NIA’s extramural research programs and initiatives, including a focus on emerging opportunities across NIA for Alzheimer’s and related dementias research. Funding and training opportunities, the Center for Scientific Review grants review process, and experiences of an early career researcher will also be featured. Learning Objectives: (1) describe the NIA mission and extramural divisions supporting early-stage investigators in clinical, biomedical, neuroscience, and behavioral and social research; (2) discuss recent policy changes which affect the funding environment; and (3) identify NIA’s resources for research training and grant application.

This session will describe the efforts of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), together with the AGS and the John A. Hartford Foundation, to improve care for older adults considering and having surgery by developing a structured program and measures that address the goals and needs of each individual older adult. Learning Objectives: (1) describe the process used to develop the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification quality program; (2) describe the measure available through the GSV for tracking the quality of surgical care in older adults; and (3) discuss the importance of having palliative care standards as part of the care of older adults considering or having surgery.  

Developed by the Research Committee
Moderator:  Camille P. Vaughan, MD, MS, AGSF

This session will present the latest peer-reviewed geriatrics research with questions and answers to follow.  Learning Objectives: (1) discuss new and original research in geriatrics; (2) describe an emerging concept or new scientific focus in aging research; and (3) summarize the key findings of projects with relevance to care of older adults.

Moderator: Raele D. Robison, PhD, CCC-SLP
Sponsored by the Clinical Practice & Models of Care Committee and the Healthy Aging Special Interest Group

Nutrition is a cornerstone of health promotion and disease prevention and is integral to enhancing overall well-being of older adults. Learning Objectives: (1) identify opportunities to integrate brief discussion of nutrition and dietary choices into clinical practice with older adults; (2) recognize and access validated tools to assess and guide intervention for nutrition, malnutrition and food insecurity in the care of older adults; (3) recognize strategies and available resources to support healthier food choices and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly in lower socioeconomic status (SES) areas, while also addressing the needs of patients dealing with food insecurity; and (4) leverage social media and web-based approaches to engage patients in healthy eating.