Click on The Value Quadrant To Enlarge

Chronic disease is a problem that many physicians see daily in their clinical practices…I sure did.  It is one that causes countless unnecessary and avoidable hospitalizations.  This problem largely reflects a lack of simple coordination of information and care processes, as well as a lack of programs and approaches for patients with chronic disease to become more involved in their daily self-care.

Unfortunately, the burden of chronic disease falls largely to the elderly and vulnerable, in other words, Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.  As an example, if you are a Medicare beneficiary with congestive heart failure, you and your peers consume 40% of the Medicare annual budget.  A short list of chronic conditions account for 95% of Medicare expenditures, and over 80% of Medicaid costs.  It is a small wonder that the Medicare Trust Fund is predicted to be insolvent by 2018!

So…how can healthcare reform properly focus on achieving the biggest bang for the buck?  (In other words, move to the Value Quadrant). (more…)

© Randy for The Collaborative Forum, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Care coordination, Care management, Healthcare delivery system, Healthcare reform, Medicaid, Medicare, The Value Quadrant of Healthcare Reform

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