Physicians have traditionally treated patients’ conditions separately, but holistically treating patients with multiple chronic conditions will improve patient-centered care and quality of life, the authors argue.
They present four HHS initiatives that support multiple chronic condition patients.
1. Strategic Framework on Multiple Chronic Conditions – This HHS initiative aims to shift the approach to chronic care from a condition-by-condition approach to a multiple-condition approach by improving coordination of patient care, enhancing self-management care, giving providers tools on multiple chronic conditions and promoting research.
2. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2014 Fee Schedule – The fee schedule includes a new payment for physicians who provide non face-to-face care to patients with multiple chronic conditions. This initiative aims to increase coordinated care.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Guidance on Good Review Practices – This HHS agency’s guidance ensures individuals with multiple chronic conditions will be included in clinical drug trials.
4. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health – This HHS department has partnered with the Health Resources Services Administration and other organizations to develop training materials for healthcare professionals regarding patient education for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
More Articles on Chronic Care:
Patient Safety Tool: Chronic Conditions Infographic
Palliative Care for Chronic Care Management Grows
CMS: Chronic Care Management, SGR Main Issues for Physician Pay in 2014
