What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management, or chronic care management (CCM), involves routinely assessing your health and the effectiveness of any medications to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening problems.

Chronic disease management can help you properly address:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Osteoporosis
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Lung diseases
• Thyroid disorders
• Hormone imbalances
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mental health conditions
• Cancer

Managing these and other chronic diseases can keep your symptoms at bay and reduce the chance of a heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, organ damage, or other severe medical issues.

What are the risk factors for chronic diseases?

Chronic diseases are common, affecting 60% of adults in the United States. Furthermore, 40% of U.S. adults have two or more chronic diseases, increasing their risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes. Common risk factors include:

• Family history of chronic diseases
• Carrying excess body weight
• Lack of exercise
• Poor dietary habits
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption

Adopting healthy habits that include eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and undergoing routine health screenings is one of the best ways to reduce your chance of developing a chronic disease.

What are the benefits of chronic disease management?

The advantages of CCM monitoring with the Carmichael Medical Clinic team include a lower risk of severe complications, fewer unpleasant symptoms, and a longer life expectancy. You can also save money on medical expenses. Your provider helps you make lifestyle changes that may help reduce your medication dosage or the need to take medication altogether.

Which chronic disease management solution is best for me?

To learn which CCM monitoring solution is best, your specialist weighs you, checks your blood pressure and other vital signs, and reviews your medical history. They complete a physical exam and may order blood testing, urine tests, allergy and asthma testing, biopsies, X-rays, or other imaging procedures before customizing a treatment plan.

What should I expect during chronic disease management?

The Carmichael Medical Clinic team might suggest one or more of the following treatments during chronic disease management:

• Medically supervised weight loss
• Oral medicines
• Nasal sprays
• Allergy shots
• Inhaler
• Health coaching
• Specialist referrals

Your family medicine provider may refer you to another specialist if needed to treat a complex chronic disease or complication.

They follow up with you routinely to ensure you remain as healthy as possible.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment at Carmichael Medical Clinic by phone or request one online today to take advantage of superior chronic disease management.