Forty-two percent of Americans have multiple chronic medical conditions (MCC) — ongoing physical or mental health conditions such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure that lasts over a year and requires ongoing treatment. That’s according to research company RAND Corporation.
They also report 12 percent of Americans have five or more chronic conditions, generating 41 percent of the total health care spending in the United States.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the federal agency in charge of improving the safety and quality of America’s health care system, says as the population ages, the number of patients with MCC will continue to grow.
Looking back on a few years of previous claims will help businesses evaluate their costs for managing MCC.
Managing conditions and costs
Insurance expenditures for employers increase for every additional chronic condition. “The cluster we see most often is a combination of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes,” says workforce health and productivity expert Bruce Sherman, M.D., researcher and faculty member at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Yet, opportunities exist for effective management of patients with MCC, which can generate significant and continued employer savings while enhancing patient quality of life.
Inspera Health is a vendor that works with organizations and their employees to help those with MCC learn to manage their conditions and symptoms through lifestyle changes.
“Our program can transform the health of people with multiple chronic conditions with documented and sustainable outcomes,” says Lee Murphy, CEO of Inspera Health.
They work with each individual for an average of 20 months, focusing on topics including nutrition, fitness and stress management. Each participant also receives a mental health screening and support as needed.
Personalized approach
Traditionally, one-size-fits-all approaches have been used to treat patients with MCC but that’s changing. AHRQ recommends a personalized, holistic approach.
The program works.
Inspera Health uses 21 measures to gauge outcomes, including biometrics such as changes in blood sugar, weight or cholesterol levels.
“The Inspera Health program empowers individuals not only with the skills and ability but the confidence to be able to effectively manage their health issues,” says Dr. Sherman.