TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR
CHRONIC ILLNESS HIGHLAND MEDICAL PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES OFFER CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT.
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chronic illness is defined as a prolonged health condition often lasting for a year or more that requires continual management from a health care provider. Typically, chronic illnesses cannot be cured but can be well managed with the right medical interventions, including lifestyle adjustments and medication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six in 10 Americans live with a chronic illness and four in 10 Americans have two or more chronic illnesses. “Chronic illnesses are not always preventable,” says Dimitri Alvarez, MD, FAAFP, a family physician with Highland Medical, Pearl River Medical Associates in Pearl River, New York. “Some chronic illnesses can be linked to genetics and DIMITRI ALVAREZ, MD, FAAFP natural aging,
while others are directly correlated to lifestyle choices.” Environmental factors and socioeconomic status can also be linked to the development of chronic illness. A lack of access to healthy food and quality health care and education could increase the chances of someone developing one. While these illnesses can affect individuals of all ages, older adults are more likely to experience multiple conditions with additional health challenges. All of this may seem overwhelming, but fortunately, there are programs to aid patients in managing their care. “At our Highland Medical internal medicine and primary care practices, we offer qualifying patients the option to enroll in our Chronic Care Management [CCM] program,” Dr. Alvarez says. “This program, developed and covered by Medicare, has proven to be very effective, as many of our patients have benefited from the
coordination of care and improved outcomes.”
WHO QUALIFIES?
• Patients with two or more chronic conditions expected to last more than 12 months or the lifetime of the patient • Patients with Medicare, Medicare Advantage or other qualifying insurance • Patients who have been seen in the past 12 months by their primary care physician (you may be enrolled in a CCM program with only one primary care physician)
BENEFITS OF A CCM PROGRAM
• Coordination of care with patients, health care providers (doctors) and caregivers. Our team is trained to assist with the transition of care. When needed, they help ensure a safe discharge from health care facilities to home. • A personalized care plan with regular check-ins by dedicated
“Our Chronic Care Management [CCM] program has proven to be very effective, as many of our patients have benefited from the coordination of care and improved outcomes.” Dimitri Alvarez, MD, FAAFP Family physician with Highland Medical, Pearl River Medical Associates in Pearl River, New York
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