ILADS Response To Centers of Medicare/Medicaid Services of Health & Human Services

The International Lyme Disease Association (ILADS) http://ilads.org, knows Chronic Lyme Disease exists, requiring extensive treatment currently restricted by the Center of Disease Control. The letter is a proactive communication advocating for longer treatment options.

Taken From ILADS letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services.

RE: Proposed Rule concerning antibiotic stewardship in Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals and Nursing Homes

 Additionally, the proposed rule emphasizes measures to eliminate discrimination directed at certain groups. The ILADS comment pointed out that persons with Lyme disease and tick-borne infections constitute a large and growing class of individuals subjected to severe and unjust discrimination which requires recognition and correction. Specifically, although many individuals in this group of patients often require longer courses of antimicrobials than are commonly prescribed, many are denied appropriate care based on arbitrary protocols that do not consider the specifics of their case. While ILADS recognizes that there are differences of opinion in the literature, after a thorough review of the evidence regarding Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, ILADS concluded that here is substantial scientific support for persistent infection. For this reason, ILADS promotes the selective and judicious use of extended antimicrobial therapy in patients with Lyme disease rather than the arbitrarily proscribed treatment durations championed by others.

http://www.ilads.org/ilads_news/2016/ilads-statement-on-cms-proposed-rule-concerning-antibiotic-stewardship/

To read the entire response, click on link above. You will see the organizations fundamental beliefs, commitment to improving treatment for Lyme and other tick borne illnesses. The archives contain letters, videos and much more. A wealth of knowledge on Lyme and tick-borne illnesses are available.

Melinda  :)