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Chronic diseases are the single greatest threat to our nation‟s health and our health care system. People with chronic disease are the most frequent users of health care in the United States, accounting for 81% of hospital admissions, 91% of Rx prescriptions, and 76% of all physician visits. In 2005, chronic diseases accounted for $3 of every $4 spent on healthcare. That‟s nearly $7,900 for every American with a chronic disease.
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned, “The United States cannot effectively address escalating health care costs without addressing the problem of chronic diseases.” Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and costly illnesses that affect Americans. They are also among the most preventable, according to the CDC.
The South Carolina Business Coalition on Health offers a Chronic Care Network in partnership with local healthcare providers. This network is dedicated to the management of the major chronic diseases, high risk lifestyle factors and conditions having a high impact on productivity. The Chronic Care Network is designed to identify employees with select diseases or risk-factors and offer assistance to those employees who are deemed non-compliant and/or difficult to manage. They work in support of the existing doctor-patient relationship. The goal of these centers is to help control the costs of managing the high-cost/high-risk population of the employer and improve the health of employees at the same time.
The Chronic Care Network acts as an extension of health benefits and manage the biggest cost drivers in the employer’s population. The network serves as added value to existing services being provided, whether it’s on-site clinics, PCP care, Disease Management, or Case Management by providing a comprehensive approach to managing specific chronic diseases. They are for SCBCH member companies and those covered lives which are diagnosed as having a Chronic Disease.
The provider partner of the Chronic Care Network is solely responsible for the day to day clinical operations and SCBCH gives direction and accountability by representing the purchaser.
Chronic Diseases
Depression
Diabetes
Cardiac (lipids and high blood pressure)
Asthma
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact us.