Why Chronic Care Management is the Right Choice for Rural America

Chronic Care Management (CCM) is defined as the non-face-to-face services provided to Medicare beneficiaries who have multiple (two or more), significant chronic conditions. In addition to office visits and other face-to face encounters, these services include communication with the patient and other treating health professionals for care coordination (both electronically and by phone), medication management, and being accessible 24 hours a day to patients and any care providers (physicians or other clinical staff).

This is very beneficial for patients and doctors in rural areas because of the following reasons:

• Due to the evolving community spread of the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), healthcare providers are providing and recommending that patients change their office appointment into a telephone appointment.
• Primary care doctors and other type of specialists and providers are overworked and overwhelmed.
• Patients in rural areas access to care remains difficult and face numerous challenges such as fewer local doctors contribute to the lack of access to care.
• Lengthy commutes to see a primary care doctor is another factor. In some cases, patients have decided to forego seeing a doctor.
• Improved clinical outcomes
• Improved health and safety status.
• Chronic Care Management (CCM) reduces the limitations of the shortage of local physicians. Also, reduces inequalities in access to healthcare.

A 2017 study from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that rural residents have a higher elderly population and higher rates of multiple chronic conditions than urban residents:

• High cholesterol – 3.6% ↑
• Hypertension – 5.5% ↑
• Diabetes – 1.6% ↑
• Arthritis – 6% ↑

Under Chronic Care Management (CCM) Patients will receive a better coordinated team of healthcare professionals to help them stay healthy, a comprehensive care plan to set and track progress towards health goals, and support between regular face-to-face visits.

This care coordination may also improve practice efficiency, and patient compliance and satisfaction.

Revenue
The 2019 payment rate for the CCM program in RHCs and FQHCs is $67.03. Accredited clinicians can manage a group of 200 chronic patients per month and introduce over $160,000 in new revenue per year for their clinics.

Contact Us:
Here at Wellness Strategic Partners our Chronic Care Management team is focused on bringing the best patient engagement services to help you drive clinical and financial performance. Contact us today for a complimentary CCM strategy session for your practice.

For additional information about our services we can be reached at the following:

Ph: @ 224-803-2277
E-mail: info@wellnessstrategicpartners.com
Website: https://www.wellnessstrategicpartners.com/