Programs to Support Patients with Chronic Conditions
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER KISTLER
In the U.S., an estimated 129 million people live with chronic conditions. For many adults, learning to live with chronic conditions can be difficult. Chronic disease becomes a part of their lives, affecting all aspects of their day. What can be most difficult for patients with chronic conditions is the sense of loss, loss of autonomy, limitations of activities, and ability that they may no longer possess, which can result in an emotional toll on the individual. Fortunately, several resources can improve individuals' quality of life and empower them to better self-manage and control their symptoms.
The first step is to identify a Primary Care Provider (PCP) you trust and feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns regarding your condition. Your PCP can work with you to design a treatment plan that best meets your needs and supports your goals. Your PCP may also speak with you about Medicare's Chronic Care Management (CCM) program, designed to help patients manage their conditions better. This program allows providers and their staff to connect with patients between visits, improve care coordination, and identify resources and support through care transitions. Patients in Your Health's CCM program receive additional support from visiting nurses, community health workers, and social workers to create favorable outcomes and increase patient engagement for individuals with chronic conditions.
Another essential tool in managing chronic conditions is to monitor your vitals regularly. Your PCP may encourage you to participate in an additional Medicare-covered program, the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) program. Patients who participate in an RPM program are given equipment to conveniently and frequently check their vitals in the comfort of their homes. This program has been shown to significantly reduce the need for unnecessary trips to the ER or hospitalizations, as providers receive real-time vital notifications on their patients, enabling them to introduce earlier interventions and modify the patient's treatment plans.
Your Health patients utilizing the RPM program are supported by a clinical team that monitors their vitals, addresses critical alerts, and connects them with their providers for home and telehealth visits as needed. Our Your Health monitoring team becomes an extension of their providers to ensure our RPM patients receive the services they need to make them the most successful.
Learning to live with chronic conditions can be challenging. However, your Primary Care Provider can connect you with many resources. Take advantage of these resources to maximize your quality of life and gain the information and tools to regain control of your health.