Chronic Care Management

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

More people every day learn they have health conditions that may stay with them for the rest of their life. The numbers have grown so large that the medical field has begun to offer specialty care for these patients under the name chronic care management.

What is Chronic Care Management?

To answer this question, you must first understand why someone might need chronic care and how that differs from acute care. Let’s look at the definition of each:

Acute care: “Acute care is a level of health care in which a patient is treated for a brief but severe episode of illness, for conditions that are the result of disease or trauma, and during recovery from surgery.” – From Connecticut’s Office of Health Care Access.

Chronic care: “Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.” – From CDC National Center for Chronic Disease.

When we think of hospital visits and treatment, those conditions putting patients in their care generally fall under the acute care definition. Here at Bates, Miller & Sims our doctors and other providers help their patients manage ongoing conditions that fall under chronic care.

Conditions that qualify

Conditions that result in needing chronic care include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

Arthritis
Heart disease
COPD
Asthma
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Skin issues (Dermatology)
Insomnia

In some cases, a chronic condition may resolve over time through medication, surgery, physical therapy, or other treatment. However, until resolution or for those conditions that exist for life, you need help managing your health. Our chronic care management services help patients live a fuller life beyond their condition.

What to Expect in a Chronic Care Management Visit?

Because chronic care management requires regular visits to our medical facilities, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Most visits with our health care providers will include the following discussions:

Your overall health status, including your chronic condition.
Measurement of vital signs and review of any test results.
Establishment or review of your chronic care plan
Review and discussion of how your chronic condition affects your everyday life.
Discuss any changes to lifestyle or treatment in order to improve your condition.

Learn More About Chronic Care Management

We’ll tackle some specific questions about chronic care below. But for more information or questions you don’t see in our list, call our office at (606) 365-1547 or contact us online.

Chronic Care FAQs

What conditions qualify for chronic care management?

Medicare considers chronic care management to be a service of specific care providing coverage for patients with at least two chronic conditions. These conditions require a continuous relationship with a medical care team.

What conditions qualify for chronic care management?

According to CMS.gov, there are 15 conditions that qualify for chronic care management. If you see your condition on this list, contact our office about treatment.

Chronic alcohol and other drug dependence
Certain autoimmune disorders
Cancer excluding pre-cancer conditions
Certain cardiovascular disorders
Chronic heart failure
Dementia
Diabetes mellitus
End-stage liver disease
End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis (all modes of dialysis)
Certain severe hematologic disorders
HIV/AIDS
Certain chronic lung disorders
Certain chronic and disabling mental health conditions
Certain neurologic disorders
Stroke

Does Medicaid pay for chronic care management?

Getting Medicaid to cover care depends upon the state in which you live. For most of our clients, Kentucky Medicaid does cover chronic care management.

Does Medicare cover chronic care management?

Yes, Medicare covers chronic care management. To learn more about this read this brochure from the CMS.