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What is chronic care management?

Chronic care management is a group of services that help people on Medicare manage chronic medical conditions. Medicare defines a chronic condition as one expected to last a year or longer, with the condition significantly increasing the risk of symptom worsening, physical decline, or death. 

What does chronic care management include?

Chronic care management includes many services that can help you take control of your medical care, such as: 

  • General health and wellness education
  • Education about disease self-management
  • Medication management
  • Symptom management
  • Urgent and emergency care planning

People with two or more chronic conditions often see both primary care providers and specialists and may visit testing facilities and spend time in the hospital. Chronic care management coordinates all the information from each of these sources to streamline your care.

Who qualifies for chronic care management?

To enroll in chronic care management services, you must be a Medicare participant with two or more chronic conditions. Many conditions may qualify for chronic care management, but some of the most common are: 

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Kidney disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) 
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Neurological conditions
  • Cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Asthma

Many other conditions qualify for chronic care management, so if you have two or more chronic conditions, ask the North Natomas Medical Center, Inc. team whether this Medicare program could fit your needs. 

How often do I need chronic care management services?

Medicare requires an initiating visit where you’ll have a comprehensive physical exam, medical history review, and any necessary testing. But, if you’ve had a physical exam within the last year, that exam can count as your initiating visit. 

Next, you’ll meet with the North Natomas Medical Center, Inc. team once a month for 20-minute visits. These visits are a good chance to review your current symptoms, medications, and progress in managing your chronic conditions. 

If you’re a Medicare participant and have two or more chronic conditions, chronic care management services at North Natomas Medical Center, Inc. can make your life easier while helping you feel more confident about your medical care. Call the office or book your appointment online today.