Complete Health primary care physicians understand the challenges of managing chronic diseases. Therefore, our primary care providers will team up with you to effectively manage chronic diseases. Our chronic disease management teams aim to improve healthcare access, reduce complications, and achieve better health outcomes for a longer, healthier life.
Chronic care management is designed to help patients navigate the complexities of managing long-term diseases. Using a holistic and proactive approach, our team strives to provide exceptional care during every stage of life. Understand the wide range of primary care services by browsing our ‘Navigating Comprehensive Primary Care: An In-Depth Resource’.
This article will provide a better understanding of how a primary care provider can help effectively manage chronic diseases.
Role of Primary Care Providers in Chronic Disease Management
Primary care doctors provide care from the very beginning as they are typically the first physicians to diagnose chronic diseases. From day one, their expansive knowledge of the disease and its effects on various body systems helps guide the initial management and the subsequent care of their patients. Through the development of personalized treatment plans, Complete Health physicians provide comprehensive care to meet the specific needs of their patients.
Comprehensive Care Coordination
The complex nature of chronic diseases will often require a team of specialists from different medical professions to comprehensively care for each patient. This is where a primary care provider can be invaluable. Primary care practitioners can recognize situations requiring specialized care, provide referrals to specialists, and coordinate communication and collaboration among all specialists involved. This improves and ensures the effective management of these complex medical conditions.
Patient Education and Coaching
Primary care physicians are great resources for managing chronic conditions, but without the involvement of patients, effective management is difficult to obtain. Therefore, primary care providers aim to educate their patients so they are better equipped to take control of their health.
The education provided helps patients better understand their condition, the treatment plan, and the importance of adhering to their recommendations. Primary care doctors also identify lifestyle modifications that can be made to better manage one’s diseases.
Monitoring and Adjusting
Managing chronic conditions is a life-long process and the requirements to effectively control the disease can change over time. This requires regular monitoring through labs and tests and adjustments to the treatment plan to adapt to changes in the course of the disease. This allows primary care physicians to continually improve the control of chronic diseases and address any new issues that may arise during their management.
Components of a Disease Management Plan
An initial chronic care management plan will include a comprehensive evaluation, goals of therapy, and guidance regarding the management of your disease. These plans will include:
- A comprehensive list of all medical conditions, prescriptions, and allergies
- Measurable treatment goals and a strategy for managing symptoms
- Educational resources to develop a better understanding of the disease
- Measures to take to help each patient achieve their goals
- A list of upcoming appointments including the next follow-up clinic visit
Benefits of Chronic Disease Management
The successful management of chronic conditions is associated with significant benefits for patients and their loved ones. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved management. Utilizing your primary care team can help improve outcomes and better achieve health-related goals.
- Proactive care. Primary care providers coordinate screenings and routine testing to prevent or identify complications before they become severe.
- Reduced hospitalizations and ER visits. Primary care providers can make slight adjustments to care plans to help prevent the need for more expensive care.
- Improved patient satisfaction. Patients are often able to live healthier lives when effectively utilizing their primary care team to manage their chronic conditions.
- Lower healthcare costs. Preventing and diagnosing complications early can help to reduce the need for additional specialists and medical treatments.
- Improved confidence. The comprehensive education provided by primary care providers can boost your confidence in managing chronic diseases.
The Primary Care Approach to Chronic Disease Management
Primary care providers use a holistic approach to provide individualized management plans for each patient’s chronic health issues. This involves using a multifaceted approach targeting the use of medications, providing education and communication, encouraging self-help, and suggesting complementary treatments to improve outcomes.
Primary care offices incorporate a multidisciplinary team approach to help coordinate care and improve access for our patients. Our team of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses, helps to ensure we are there for you whenever you need. The use of various health professionals improves our ability to monitor patient progress, address issues and questions faster, improve patient access to appointments, and adjust treatment plans when needed. All of which correlate to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Embracing Technology for Disease Management
The accessibility of information and advancements in technology have improved access and helped patients track and manage their health.
- Telehealth and Remote Monitoring. The use of telehealth appointments improves the convenience of appointments, allowing improved access to your healthcare team. Devices can provide information directly to doctors’ offices by transmitting at-home test results via the Internet.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR). Features within EHR systems can help physicians track screening tests, alert them of significant findings, and provide access to patients from anywhere an internet connection can be achieved.
- Mobile Health Applications. Several mobile phone apps are available to help track one’s diet, exercise, vitals, and other health-related events to allow patients to objectively monitor their lifestyle choices.
Primary Care and Chronic Diseases
Primary care physicians are typically the first person you think of when needing care regarding a cold or acute musculoskeletal complaint. While being experts in managing those conditions, they are essential in the management of many chronic conditions. Their expertise and knowledge can help you improve the outcomes of disease management and ensure proper monitoring of the disease.
You do not have to go at it alone, our primary care physicians are only a phone call away and are ready to provide you with the guidance you need.