Chronic Care

Chronic Care Management is a care coordination program designed by Medicare to help patients better manage their chronic conditions. It was designed to give you greater support and access to care between office visits, even while at home.

A chronic condition is an ongoing, long-lasting health condition, which will require continual management and treatment. Left untreated, a chronic condition can hinder independence and negatively impact health. A few examples of chronic conditions include asthma, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and heart disease.

Care Coordination is the deliberate organization of patient care activities and sharing information among all of the participants concerned with a patient's care to achieve safer and more effective care. Care Coordination services (like those that are part of Medicare’s Chronic Care Management program) provide extra layers of support and care between doctor visits to eligible patients who have two or more chronic conditions.

To be eligible for the Chronic Care Management program you must be a Medicare beneficiary and have multiple (two or more) chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months, or until end of life. If you are unsure if your conditions qualify contact your primary care provider and they will be able to assist you further.

Yes. At this point the program is only being offered to Medicare patients.

Managing and coordinating care can be especially difficult if you suffer from multiple chronic conditions. You may be seeing different types of doctors or taking several medications. For every medication you take, it’s important to know how it reacts with other medications. For every doctor you see, there are test results or health information that needs to be shared. When your care is coordinated properly, your doctors get the information they need when they need it.

One of the great benefits of Chronic Care Management is not only to help you achieve good health, but also to maintain it. That’s why the program also focuses on things like helping you keep on top of preventive care and helping you locate specialists, valuable health care resources and community services.

The majority of Medicare patients have secondary insurance, which often covers Chronic Care Management (CCM) program copays. In instances where this isn't the case, CCM may be subject to a modest copy (usually 20%), as well as your deductible. It is best to review exactly what your insurance plan covers.

Yes. The same rules that protect your medical information in your doctor’s practice apply here as well. Your information is and will always be secure using the latest Certified Information Technology and following all HIPAA guidelines.

Chronic Care Management extends your care outside of the four walls of your physician's practice to help you maintain the best possible health. You will be matched with a dedicated care coordinator and have access to help 24/7. A treatment plan (care pathway) will be created to plan for your ongoing care and better address all your health-related issues. Your care coordinator will be there for you helping you navigate the healthcare system, including scheduling appointments, helping with refills and answering lingering questions. Your care coordinator acts as an extension of your doctor and helps your doctor monitor and adjust your care accordingly.

Give us a call at 785-877-3305 (extension 6) to learn more about how you can benefit from this program and to gain answers to any questions you may have.

With Chronic Care Management, there is no long-term commitment. You may opt-out any time by notifying us via phone. After filling out a form, you will be unenrolled at the end of the current month.