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Poorly managed and uncontrolled chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and represent a growing national crisis. Five of the top 10 causes of death – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension – are chronic conditions, or closely linked to preventable and treatable chronic conditions. The prevalence of these diseases has steadily increased over the past two decades. Today, 42% of Americans have two or more chronic conditions, and the need for preventive care to help patients manage these conditions has never been more important.
Cardiovascular disease alone accounts for nearly 20% of annual deaths in the United States, with cardiac disorders and hypertension affecting 31% of the US workforce. At the same time, many Americans continue to forgo essential preventive care services – such as mammograms and flu shots – which can lead to late-stage diagnoses, avoidable hospitalizations, and escalating healthcare costs. A recent analysis of the commercially insured population revealed that over half (53.5%) of eligible women skip recommended mammograms, and only 35% of COPD and asthma patients receive flu vaccines, despite their increased vulnerability to complications.
A value-based approach to care can address these deficits and improve long-term outcomes, particularly when paired with AI-driven analytics designed to proactively manage chronic disease risk and reduce cost burdens.