Problem
Chronic diseases are the single greatest threat to our nation's health and our health care system. People with chronic disease are the most frequent users of health care in the U.S., accounting for 81% of hospital admissions, 91% of Rx prescriptions, and 76% of all physician visits. In 2005, 75% of total spending on healthcare went toward treatment of chronic disease. According to Johns Hopkins University, health care coverage costs average $6,032 for patients with chronic disease, about 5 times higher than those without such conditions.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned, "The United States cannot effectively address escalating health care costs without addressing the problem of chronic diseases." Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and costly illnesses that affect Americans. They are also among the most preventable, according to the CDC.
Solution
HC21 offers Chronic Care Centers in partnership with local healthcare providers. These centers are dedicated to the management of the major chronic diseases, high risk lifestyle factors and conditions having a high impact on productivity. The Chronic Care Centers are designed to identify employees with select diseases or risk-factors and offer assistance to those employees who are deemed non-compliant and/or difficult to manage. They work in support of the existing doctor-patient relationship. The goal of these centers is to help control the costs of managing the high-cost/high-risk population of the employer and improve the health of employees at the same time.
Chronic Care Centers act as an extension of health benefits and manage the biggest cost drivers in the employer’s population. The centers serve as added value to existing services being provided, whether on-site clinics, PCP care, Disease Management, or Case Management by providing a comprehensive approach to managing specific chronic diseases. They are for HC21 member companies and those covered lives which are diagnosed as having a Chronic Disease.
The Provider partner of the Chronic Care Center is solely responsible for the day to day clinical operations and HC21 gives direction and accountability by representing the purchaser.
Conditions Addressed
Chronic Diseases High Impact Productivity Factors
Depression Low Back Pain
Diabetes GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Cardiac (lipids and high blood pressure) Asthma
If you are interested in this program please contact:
Gaye Fortner, Senior Vice President, COO
865.292.2123
gfortner@hc21.org
