Helping Patients Manage Chronic Conditions
While health plans continue to advance prevention and wellness, the issues surrounding chronic care management have never been more important.
According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, more than 133 million Americans, or 45 percent of the population, have at least one chronic condition, which is an ongoing illness or condition, such as heart disease, asthma, cancer and diabetes. The growth of chronic conditions is expected to continue to increase in the years ahead especially as the population ages. Health plans continue to demonstrate real progress in assisting patients through targeted programs that address one or more chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, cancer and diabetes.
Managing health requires the active, integrated involvement of all health care professionals working in coordination with patients and their caregivers and families. Close coordination among plans, medical professionals and patients is the key to better health care quality and outcomes.
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than one in four people dying from heart disease every year. People of all backgrounds are affected, and heart disease is influenced by many factors. Research shows a clustering of these factors puts people at increased risk for poor health outcomes.