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In previous blogs, we have discussed programs whose goals are to improve patient outcomes through quality care while increasing provider efficiency. An additional program provided by CMS to help in these efforts is the Chronic Care Management (CCM) program. CMS has made CCM available to Medicaid ACOs as they seek to create savings for both patient and provider while simultaneously coordinating care for the large chronically ill population.
The chronically ill population accounts for 84% of all healthcare spending. An estimated 117 million adults having one or more chronic health conditions, and in 2014 seven of the top ten causes of death were from chronic diseases. With such a large population of chronically ill, the need for improved care is one we can all recognize. CMS has provided CCM as an incentive in these efforts to provide patients with dedicated teams managing their health, comprehensive plans of treatment, and ongoing support in between visits. Provider benefits include care coordination improvement, patient compliance and connection, and growth of their practice or ACO.