Development, structure, and implementation of cardiometabolic clinics in the United States, with a focus on...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome affects over one-third of US adults, increasing risks for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
• This cluster of conditions is now termed cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, posing significant clinical and economic challenges.
• Current care for patients with multimorbidity is often fragmented and suboptimal, despite existing guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline key considerations for developing, structuring, and implementing Cardiometabolic Clinics (CMCs) in the US.
• To highlight the potential of CMCs in delivering comprehensive, preventive care for cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases.
• To address the growing clinical and economic burden of CKM syndrome through a structured care model.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing US-based CMC models, including the comprehensive care model and the Cardiometabolic Center Alliance - Cardiometabolic Center of Excellence model.
• Emphasis on developing financial models for return on investment, defining target populations, and establishing care delivery plans.
• Leveraging digital solutions for improved patient access and engagement, alongside essential team training across cardiometabolic conditions.

Main Results:

• CMCs demonstrate increased uptake of guideline-directed medical therapies and improved cardiometabolic outcomes in studies.
• Benefits for healthcare providers include enhanced communication, convenience, and reduced redundant testing and visits, leading to cost savings.
• Scalability of CMCs is crucial due to the rising prevalence of CKM syndrome.

Conclusions:

• CMCs offer a promising multidisciplinary approach to managing CKM syndrome, potentially reducing its clinical and economic burden.
• Successful implementation requires strategic planning, financial modeling, and a focus on team training and digital integration.
• Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to fully validate the long-term impact and efficacy of CMCs.