Disease Management

Disease Management & Care for Chronic Conditions

Primary care plays a significant role in treating chronic conditions. Primary care physicians are responsible for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing chronic health conditions to help improve quality of life.

They provide preventive services and education to patients with chronic illnesses by helping them understand their condition. In addition, they help develop lifestyle changes that may reduce the severity of symptoms and coordinate follow-up care with specialists.

Primary care providers are also responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment plans and making the necessary adjustments to ensure optimal outcomes.

Internal medicine doctors recognize the physical and emotional toll living with a chronic condition can have on an individual. Primary care providers also ensure emotional support and care to help their patients. Schedule a primary care appointment near you.

Services that Help Treat Chronic Conditions

Primary care providers can offer a variety of services to treat chronic diseases:

Monitoring the condition: A primary care doctor will monitor a chronic condition by regularly checking in with the patient. They will order tests such as blood work and imaging, and keep them informed about changes in treatments for their condition.

Regular check-ins typically involve the following:

• Discussing symptoms
• Medication taken
• Therapies used
• Any changes in lifestyle that affect the chronic condition
• Diagnose and treat

A family physician will show the utmost care during the monitoring process. They will listen to you to provide the healthiest path for you and your family.

Developing individualized treatment plans: They will discuss treatment options with the patient to determine the most suitable method. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may include medications, lifestyle changes, regular monitoring of symptoms, and referrals to specialists.

A family medicine doctor will work closely with you on your tailored care plan to ensure your voice is heard.

Provide techniques to help manage symptoms:
These techniques may include:

• Relaxation and stress management
• Pacing activities
• Establishing healthy sleep patterns
• Making lifestyle changes
• Setting realistic goals and objectives for everyday tasks
• Planning breaks throughout the day to reduce fatigue and involving physical activity in daily routines

Prescribe medications or refer patients to specialists:

This includes:

• Reviewing test results
• Advise on treatment plans
• Constantly communicate with you and provides continuity of care, which means there are no gaps in the quality of care provided to patients.

How often should I visit my primary care provider to manage my chronic condition?

The amount of times you see your primary care provider depends on the type and severity of your chronic condition.

For mild conditions, you may only need to see your doctor every six months or even annually for routine checkups.

For more severe cases, visiting more frequently – every 3-4 months – or on an as-needed basis may be necessary. Your primary care provider will determine the frequency of visits is best for your individual health needs. They can adjust over time if necessary.

What type of support services are available for those with chronic conditions?

Many people with chronic conditions manage their condition through self-care and lifestyle changes.

Hospitals and community health centers provide services for people with chronic conditions. These services can include group counseling sessions, educational classes, and special medical equipment or supplies.

What tests or screenings do I need to monitor my condition?

Your doctor will likely recommend the following:

• Regular visits and screenings
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Chest x-rays
• Ultrasound of the heart (EEG)
• (ECG) or other diagnostic tests to monitor your condition.

Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes and specific goals to help manage your condition. This can include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing stress

Your doctor will try every avenue possible to make sure you receive the best possible health care.