727-525-0900Disorders Commonly Managed Through Disease Management
If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic or incurable condition, you’ve probably dealt with feelings of hopelessness and confusion. Adjusting your routines to accommodate the needs of the disorder is challenging, but you don’t have to deal with things alone. A professionally developed and administered disease management program, like those offered by Dr. Kavita Rao in Tampa Bay, is an excellent tool to help you navigate the ups and downs of living with a chronic condition while maintaining optimal health and well-being.
What is Disease Management?
Disease management is an evidence-based program focused on empowering the patient with information on how to manage their condition or disorder as independently as possible. It involves an interdisciplinary approach with physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, therapists, and more all working together and with the patient to teach the skills necessary to live their best life. Disease management improves patient quality of life and reduces health care costs.
Conditions Best Treated with a Disease Management Approach
While almost any disorder or condition can be treated with a disease management approach, there are some disorders with a proven track record of success with disease management, including:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary heart disease
- Hypertension
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Liver diseases
- Psychiatric disorders
- Dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
Disease Management Goals
Overall, the goal of disease management is to help patients live a better life. Each disease management program is based on research and targeted to a specific population, so each program will have different expected outcomes, but all disease management programs share similar goals to improve:
- Patient management of their own condition
- Quality of interdisciplinary care
- Access to care
- Patient safety
- Community overall health
These goals must be met while also controlling costs for both the patient and providers. A successful disease management program accomplishes all these goals and more.
Disease Management in Tampa Bay
Are you living with a chronic condition or disorder in Tampa Bay? Dr. Kavita Rao is an Internist with two St. Petersburg area locations offering expert disease management services. Dr. Rao will coordinate with all the patient’s medical and other providers to ensure quality care with optimal outcomes. Schedule your first disease management appointment with Dr. Rao by calling 727-525-0900 or contacting us online.