Who Should Consider Chronic Care Management

Chronic care presents different types of management issues than acute medical care that lasts only a short time. If you have two or more chronic conditions like hypertension or arthritis, and your condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or for the rest of your life, Medicare chronic care management (CCM) exists to support you with the planning for your long-term treatment needs.

At Living Water Clinic, your ongoing care is our top priority. Our team of family medicine specialists can help with chronic care management from our locations in Porterville, Lindsay, and Visalia, California. Here’s what you need to know about how CCM services can assist you.

The benefits of chronic care management

CCM services are supplied to Medicare beneficiaries when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services identifies CCM services as an essential part of your primary care. CCM support can reduce your overall health care costs and related stresses in your life.

CCM is for patients living with two or more serious, long-lasting chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer. If you’re going to be dealing with multiple health care needs for an extended amount of time, you need different support than patients who can expect to heal within a year.

That’s why, through CCM, Medicare may contribute financially to your health care provider as you work together to manage your multiple chronic conditions.

When you need CCM support

There are many chronic conditions you might have that mean you qualify for CCM support. These include but are not limited to:

• Cardiovascular and blood conditions like hypertension, anemia, or heart failure
• Respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Brain and mental health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or depression
• Various cancers
• Bone, joint and muscle conditions like osteoporosis
• Eye conditions like glaucoma
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions including arthritis
• Bone, joint, spine or muscle conditions
• Alcohol use disorders and other drug use disorders

The list of qualifying conditions is extensive. If you want to find out if you qualify for CCM support, contact your primary care team at Living Water Clinic to discuss your care needs. You must have two or more conditions that qualify.

What you get with CCM support

If you’re eligible for CCM, you receive at least 20 minutes of direct care coordination each month. You sign an agreement to receive this service monthly.

Your CCM session isn’t typically face-to-face, unless you need an in-office CCM visit for a particular reason. You can take advantage of our secure, convenient telemedicine services.

Your provider at Living Water Clinic may supervise your CCM coordination. If you need additional support, you have access to a team member at any time. Your CCM includes a documented comprehensive care plan, including all of your health conditions, treatments, medications, providers, and other sources of support.

If you have multiple chronic health conditions, you should consider chronic care management support. This service coordinates your care and can save you and your caregiving team time and money.

To get started with chronic care management, contact the team of friendly, knowledgeable family medicine providers at Living Water Clinic today. Schedule your first appointment online or over the phone now.