Chronic Disease Management

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management uses patient education, nutritional guidance, and prescription medication to prevent long-term illnesses from worsening. If you have a chronic condition, like heart disease or diabetes, it’s crucial to visit the team at KC Cares Med regularly.

Routine checkups and lab tests can reduce the risk of potentially serious side effects, improving your health and quality of life.

What conditions can benefit from chronic disease management?

The team at KC Cares Med uses chronic disease management to treat various conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Cystic fibrosis

You might also benefit from chronic disease management if you have a gastrointestinal disorder, like inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease.

What does chronic disease management involve?

At KC Cares Med, chronic disease management involves several aspects, including:

Patient education

If you have a chronic illness, it’s important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Aside from eating a balanced diet, you must exercise regularly, keep your stress levels in check, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep.

Your KC Cares Med provider can make recommendations that align with your needs and health history.

Nutrition guidance

Eating a poor diet exacerbates the side effects of many chronic illnesses. For example, if you have high cholesterol, eating junk food might increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

The team at KC Cares Med can develop a custom nutrition plan that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Eating a variety of foods ensures you receive the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed to thrive.

Medication management

Some chronic illnesses require prescription medication. For example, if your thyroid gland produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism), the team at KC Cares Med might prescribe a thioamide–a type of drug designed to treat an overactive thyroid.

After enrolling in chronic disease management, you will usually visit KC Cares Med once a month.* At each checkup, the team assesses your health, monitors your progress, and adjusts your treatment plan as necessary.

To explore the benefits of chronic disease management, make an appointment at KC Cares Med by calling the office or requesting one online today.