According to the CDC, six in ten adults have chronic illnesses, the leading cause of death in the US. Chronic diseases can have debilitating symptoms which impact your quality of life. Fortunately, physicians have been developing a set of health interventions designed to manage illnesses. Find out how chronic disease management Tomball can positively impact your health.
What is chronic disease management?
Chronic disease management is a multi-disciplinary approach that seeks to address chronic conditions. CDM includes routine checkups, health screenings, and patient education.
The disease management modalities vary depending on the illness and the patient’s health profile. Your physician checks your entire medical history when developing a customized plan. Health evaluation is essential for ensuring a positive outcome.
For example, you may need medication to manage pain or other symptoms of a chronic illness. But the initial assessment may suggest the drug is contraindicated for your condition. Your physician will write a prescription or recommend alternative therapies suitable for your case.
Preventive medicine and chronic disease management
The process does not limit chronic disease management to alleviating symptoms. One of the principal aims of the program is to prevent disease progression altogether.
A CDM program may include patient visits to teach patients about diseases. It may encourage behavior change, such as adopting a nutritious diet to strengthen the immune response. A balanced diet can manage symptoms of diabetes, hypertension, and depression.
Patient education also emphasizes adherence to medication and the implications of skipping your prescription. Understanding your condition equips you with skills to manage symptoms and be healthier. Self-management techniques empower you to take control of your life and live a fulfilling life.
Management and monitoring of chronic illness
Disease monitoring is a critical aspect of CDM programs. Your physician uses results from the physical exam to determine what changes to observe. Timing and decision-making are essential for the long-term outcomes of the treatment process.
A physical exam is recommended once a year, especially for people over 50. The tests can assess your cholesterol levels and check if you have been maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.
Your provider may schedule exams to keep track of the symptoms. Routine blood sugar levels and blood pressure checks can detect disease progression even though you may not have noticed worsening symptoms.
Additionally, monitoring symptoms can identify hidden factors that would otherwise be difficult to discern. For example, if you have asthma, pollutants in your indoor environment may worsen symptoms. Routine tests can detect allergies and unearth other factors contributing to your health problem.
Patient-physician relationship
Since disease management is long-term, CDM care also emphasizes patient-doctor relationships. The physician factors the patient’s beliefs and coping strategies when developing a suitable treatment plan. Research shows that patient-doctor relationships can help with medication and disease control, particularly when treating asthma.
Managing and monitoring chronic disease is more complex than acute illnesses for healthcare providers. The long-term nature of the process amplifies the dynamics between the patient and the doctor. But with sensitive communication and personalized care, doctors can support patients and effectively manage conditions.
Contact Richard Pedroza, MD, to schedule your consultation today.
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