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July 7, 2022

July 10 is Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Facts:

  • Six out of 10 adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a chronic disease and four out of 10 adults in the United States are living with two or more chronic diseases.1
  • In America, chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic kidney disease) are the leading causes of death and disability and are a major contributor to $3.8 trillion annual health care costs.1
  • Chronic diseases contribute to over 90 percent of the annual health care spending in the United States.2
  • Modifiable risk factors such as poor diet (high fat, high sodium, and low in fruits and vegetables), lack of physical activity/exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol use contribute to the development of chronic diseases.1

July 10th has been designated as Chronic Disease Awareness Day. This date (7/10) is significant because chronic disease is responsible for seven (7) of the top 10 leading causes of mortality in the United States.2 Chronic Disease Awareness Day presents an excellent opportunity to educate the community about what chronic disease is and its effects on a person's health as well as provide resources for those affected by chronic disease. There are several ways you can assist patients with caring for their health and managing their chronic medical conditions.

  • Encourage your patients to schedule annual wellness visits and preventive health screenings.
  • Educate your patients on healthy habits such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet including foods that are low in salt, fat, and cholesterol, controlling weight (or losing weight if needed), quitting smoking, refraining from or to limit use of alcohol, lowering stress levels, and getting enough sleep.
  • If your patients are prescribed medications for the treatment of their chronic disease(s), review the importance of regularly taking medications. Address any questions they may have regarding the medications prescribed, including safety precautions while taking these medications.
  • Review the plan of treatment with your patients and address any questions they may have about treatment options.
  • Discuss chronic care management services (CCM) with your patients and provide resources to your patients.

Chronic Care Management Services

Chronic Care Management (CCM) services are a Part B benefit offered to patients with two or more chronic medical conditions that meet patient eligibility requirements. CCM services allow the health care provider to be paid separately while providing care to these beneficiaries.

A chronic medical condition can be defined as:

  • Medical condition that lasts 12 months or longer
  • Requires ongoing treatment by a physician or other similar health care provider
  • Places the affected individual at risk for death, recurring flare-ups, and/or decline in ability to function
  • Examples- arthritis, cancer, COPD, diabetes, ischemic heart disease

Chronic Care Management services are proactive approaches to care for the patient with multiple chronic medical conditions. CCM services allow the health care providerand the patient/caregivers to work together in the management of the patient's chronic medical conditions.

For more information on Preventive Services

For more information on Chronic Care Management Services

For more Information on Chronic Disease

References

  1. About Chronic Diseases | CDCExternal website. (2022, May 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  2. America Recognizes Chronic Disease Day 2021 with Good DaysExternal website. (2021, July 10). Markets.Businessinsider.Com.

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