Chronic care management is a vital part of healthcare that seeks to improve patient outcomes by providing coordinated and comprehensive care for those with chronic conditions. It helps to ensure that patients receive the care they need to manage their condition and improve their quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the three key goals of chronic care management so that you can better understand how it can benefit patients.
1. Improve Patient Outcomes
The first and most important goal of chronic care management is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This is done by working to ensure that patients receive the care they need to manage their chronic condition effectively and prevent or delay further progression of the condition. This may involve coordinating care between different providers, helping patients to make lifestyle changes, and providing education and support to patients and their families. Basically, anything that can help patients better manage their chronic condition and improve their quality of life is a crucial goal of chronic care management.
2. Decrease Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs are a major concern for both patients and providers alike as the cost of care continues to rise. In fact, chronic diseases are responsible for 86% of all healthcare costs in the United States. This is due to the fact that chronic diseases are often complex and require ongoing treatment and management. So, through chronic care management, providers can work to improve patient outcomes and also help to decrease healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, ER visits, and other costly interventions. It happens by addressing the root causes of chronic disease and helping patients to manage their conditions more effectively, which ultimately leads to improved health and decreased healthcare costs.
3. Increase Patient Satisfaction
Anytime you can provide coordinated and comprehensive care to patients, it is likely to increase patient satisfaction. This is because patients feel like they are being taken care of in a more holistic way when their care is coordinated by a provider who understands their unique needs. Additionally, patients are more likely to stick with their care plan when they feel like they have someone in their corner who is helping them to navigate the often-complex healthcare system. By acknowledging how chronic care management benefits your medical practice, you are on your way to providing top-quality care that your patients will appreciate.
The Bottom Line
Chronic care management is an integral part of healthcare that benefits not only patients but also providers and healthcare organizations. By working to improve patient outcomes, decrease healthcare costs, and increase patient satisfaction, chronic care management provides a win-win for everyone involved. So, if you are not already incorporating chronic care management into your practice, now is the time to start!