Disease management programs can be life-altering
It’s likely you or a person you know is living with a chronic health condition, like heart disease or diabetes. In fact, six in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic condition, like stroke, hypertension or high cholesterol.
Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
These conditions have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional health and well-being. At the workplace, chronic conditions keep employees from performing their best, and result in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and more.
Various factors contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases, including lifestyle choices and genetics. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
- Approximately 1 in 9 Kansas adults (ages 18 and older) has been diagnosed with diabetes. It is linked to many serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney failure, neuropathy and amputations.
- About 1 in 3 Kansas adults has been diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure. People with hypertension are at higher risk for heart attack, stroke, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.
- Approximately 2 in 5 Kansas adults have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, which puts them at twice the risk for developing heart disease.
- Approximately 1 in 25 Kansas adults have been diagnosed with heart disease. Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, the most common being coronary artery disease, which causes heart attacks, angina and heart failure. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kansas.
Some risk factors for heart disease and diabetes are beyond an individual’s control. But most chronic diseases can be prevented or managed by eating well, being physically active, and avoiding alcohol and excessive drinking. Regular health screenings are also important.
Disease management programs provide personalized support
Disease and wellness management programs play a crucial role in helping people manage chronic conditions and improve the quality of their life.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas members have access to disease and wellness management programs to help them live better with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure and high cholesterol. We also have programs to guide you through pregnancy, tobacco cessation, weight management and stress management. These programs are included with your Blue Cross health benefits at no additional cost.
With a disease management program, a registered nurse is assigned to the member and contacts the individual via phone. Typically, phone calls are 30 minutes or less, and are scheduled monthly for 12-15 months.
Disease management programs can be life changing, providing accountability and motivation to people with chronic diseases, and helping them manage their condition by:
- Empowering them to learn about and guide their own health
- Allowing them time to share their health journey
- Supporting without judgment
- Building confidence by setting small but impactful goals
- Finding and addressing gaps in care
- Providing medication guidance
- Helping the patient track labs and collaborate with providers
- Celebrating wins
Patients who are enrolled in disease management programs are not obligated to continue and can opt out at any time.
Let us help. Our registered nurses offer individualized support, coaching and education. For more information, contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas representative today. To enroll in a disease management program, call 800-520-3137 or visit bcbsks.com/BeHealthy to learn more.
These programs are available to members who have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as their primary carrier. Ages vary by program.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
- Diabetes.org