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Assessing the need for a clinical COPD care program in a managed care organization
1Intermountain Health Care, 36 South State St., Suite 1900, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA. eric.cannon@ihc.com
Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy : JMCP
|July 16, 2004
Summary
Implementing a systemwide Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) program can improve diagnosis and treatment. This approach enhances patient care by measuring outcomes and stratifying patients by risk for better management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a systemic inflammatory condition impacting quality of life and healthcare costs.
- COPD is frequently underdiagnosed and inadequately treated within managed care settings.
- A managed care organization investigated the feasibility of a systemwide clinical program for COPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and associated costs of COPD within the organization.
- To assess the potential for improved COPD management through a unified clinical program.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current COPD prevalence.
- Evaluation of COPD-related healthcare expenditures.
- Review of adherence to established clinical treatment guidelines.
Main Results:
- Data on COPD prevalence and costs were gathered.
- Current treatment guideline adherence was assessed.
- The study laid the groundwork for program development.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive clinical COPD care program is recommended.
- Key components include outcome measurement and risk stratification.
- Initiating disease state management efforts is crucial for improving COPD care.