Chronic Care Management

What is chronic care management? 

Chronic care management was designed to support patients living with chronic conditions. The responsibilities of caring for a chronic condition — doctor visits, medications to manage, and therapy treatments — can be overwhelming. 

Your provider works with you to understand your medical history, current conditions and medications, and health goals. They then develop an individualized plan to manage all of your needs. 

Who is eligible for chronic care management?

If you’re already on Medicare, you can qualify if you have two or more chronic conditions. Both conditions must: 

• Be expected to last at least 12 months or until end of life 
• Put you at risk of declining health or death 

Your provider helps you understand if you are eligible for chronic care management. They can also communicate with your insurance or your other providers to see if you qualify. 

What conditions does chronic care management treat?

Medicare has certain requirements when defining a chronic condition. Some common conditions include: 

• Asthma 
• Diabetes 
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Arthritis 
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Mental health issues 

Although you must have at least two chronic conditions to qualify, a chronic care management program can treat several conditions simultaneously. 

What does a chronic care management program include? 

At your first consultation at Francisco Cruz, MD, PA, your provider performs a thorough medical evaluation to identify your conditions and determine their severity. 

Your provider works with you to develop a comprehensive management plan. This may include:

• Medication management 
• 24/7 emergency care access 
• Education about your conditions 
• Assistance achieving health goals
• Transportation to office visits or appointments 
• Resources regarding available community services
• Information about specialists 
• Communication with your insurance 
• Liaison with your other providers, hospitals, or clinics 

When it comes to these services, you can expect your provider to bill for at least 20 minutes or more of chronic care management per month. Although not face-to-face, all of these services make you feel safe and supported in between your office visits.

To learn more about how chronic care management can help you or your loved one, contact Francisco A. Cruz, MD, PA, by phone or online today.