Roundtable discussions with cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, and pharmacy experts highlighted persistent gaps in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) care despite new multidisciplinary guidance. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio testing remains underused, but practical workflow changes—such as collecting urine specimens during the visit, allowing medical assistants to trigger orders, and using electronic health record prompts to flag missing tests—were reported to improve completion. Panelists also emphasized e-consults and embedded clinical pharmacists as ways to extend specialist input, streamline medication titration and prior authorizations, and reduce confusion when multiple clinicians are involved.
The discussion points to care-process redesign as an important complement to clinical knowledge. Panelists favored earlier use of multiple guideline-directed therapies across the major CKM treatment pillars rather than maximizing only one or two classes before adding others. They also stressed the need for clear ownership when patients move between primary care and multiple specialties. The broader takeaway is that better screening, task-sharing, team-based medication management, and clearly defined responsibility may help close treatment gaps and improve access, especially for patients who are most vulnerable to fragmented care.
Reference: Joszt L. Simple Workflow Fixes Can Close CKM Care Gaps, Clinicians Say. AJMC. Published September 16, 2026. Accessed September 17, 2026. https://www.ajmc.com/view/simple-workflow-fixes-can-close-ckm-care-gaps-clinicians-say
Link: https://www.ajmc.com/view/simple-workflow-fixes-can-close-ckm-care-gaps-clinicians-say
