Disease Management Programs at National Jewish Medical and Research Center Ranked Among the Best in the United States
Denver -- The disease management programs at National Jewish Medical and Research Center -- which work with patients, their physicians and insurers to monitor and manage chronic diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -- has been ranked among the best eleven traditional disease management vendors in the United States by the Health Industries Research Council (HIRC).
Based in California, HIRC was founded in 1990 by a researcher from Stanford University and the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce to examine the trends and implications of managed care. Its list of leading traditional disease management companies involved in common chronic disease management is based on revenue, reputation and ability to deliver promised outcomes. National Jewish is the only nonprofit organization among the top eleven.
The disease specific care management programs at National Jewish contracts with health plans across the country to provide disease management services to their enrollees. Then, working in close consultation with primary care physicians and specialists, an asthma or COPD action plan is developed. From there, care managers make sure that patients understand the disease and the importance of following their prescribed regime, give tips for managing their disease, and provide ongoing education and support. Nurses are available to patients and family members 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and they frequently reach out to patients to make sure everything is OK.
The program was created about four years ago, and now works with nearly 7,000 people in more than 1,700 cities in 41 states.
Recent outcomes studies show that among participants in the asthma program, emergency room visits have dropped by 65 percent, missed schools days for kids are down 61 percent, workdays missed for caretakers are down 75 percent, and unscheduled physician visits cut by nearly 70 percent. Patients and insurance companies alike are saving thousands of dollars.
"The success of our disease management program really proves that consumers are looking for more than just a visit to a clinic. They want to learn as much as they can about their disease, and about how to manage it at home," said David Tinkelman, MD, vice president of Health Initiatives. "Too often people with chronic diseases are controlled by the disease. We help them turn the tables, control their disease and lead better lives. We believe we have a terrific program, and it's gratifying to receive recognition by an organization such as the Health Industries Research Council."
