The Chronic Care Management Program (CCM) is a care management program that helps patients with chronic conditions receive the coordinated care they need to stay healthy.
There are many benefits to implementing a CCM program in your Clinic. The program can help improve communication and coordination between the patient’s primary care provider, specialists, and other health care professionals. In addition, the CCM program can help improve the quality of care for chronic conditions and reduce hospitalizations.
One of the biggest challenges for clinics is that they are not always sure when to implement a CCM program. This article provides some helpful guidance on when to start a CCM program in your Clinic and what you need to start the program.
When is the right time to implement Chronic Care Management Program in your Clinic?
Knowing when to introduce the program is the key to successful implementation. There are some factors to consider when deciding on the right timing, such as:
1. Availability of Resources to Implement a CCM Program
Before considering a Chronic Care Management Program, you should have the necessary resources in place to support it. This includes having enough staff to manage the program, as well as the financial and technical resources needed to sustain it.
2. Prevalence of Chronic Conditions in Your Patient Population
Chronic conditions are more common than you may think. According to the CDC, six in ten adults in the US have at least one chronic health condition. Implementing a CCM program can help your practice better manage these patients and improve their overall health.
3. Staff Capacity
Another step is determining whether the staff can take on additional patients. Assessing caseloads and time availability of care team members is crucial to program success. You can implement a CCM program if staff members are available, trained in care management, and willing to coordinate care for patients with chronic conditions. If your staff is already stretched thin, it may not be the right time to launch a CCM program.
4. Increase in Patient Volume
If your practice sees increased patient volume, a CCM program can help you manage this growth. The program can free up time for your staff by taking on some of the care management tasks, such as coordinating appointments and medications.
Getting Started with CCM Programs if you have no resources
Most clinics do not have the resources to implement a CCM program independently. Fortunately, there are many care management companies that clinics can partner alongside. These companies can provide the staff, technology, and training needed to launch a successful CCM program in your practice.
What to look for when choosing a Chronic Care Management Partnership?
When considering a care management partnership, it is essential to choose a company that is a good fit for your practice. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
1. Services Offered
The company you partner with should offer the services that your practice needs. This may include care coordination, patient education, and disease management.
2. Technology
The company should have a robust care management platform that is easy to use and integrate with your existing EHR system. You shouldn’t be required to purchase any new technology to use the care management platform.
3. Training and Support
The company should provide training and support for your staff on how to use the care management platform and coordinate care for patients with chronic conditions.
4. Increases Revenue
The company should help increase your practice’s revenue and free up clinic resources. The revenue generated should be able to help support the costs of the care management program.
5. Sustainability
The company should be able to sustain the CCM program over the long term. This includes having the staff and resources needed to support your practice’s growth.
6. Records and Data Security
The company should have records and data security measures in place to protect your patients’ information.
When choosing a care management company, it is important to select one that meets your practice’s specific needs if you are ready to learn more about chronic care management and find a company to partner with and improve your patients’ health.
Conclusion
Deciding to implement a CCM program can be difficult. However, taking the time to assess staff capacity, patient volume, and disease prevalence will help ensure that you are making the best decision for your Clinic. Partnering with a care management company is the best way to get started with a CCM program. They can provide the resources and support you need to launch the program in your Clinic successfully. A CCM program can improve patient outcomes, increase reimbursement, and free up staff time when done correctly.
Related Article: How to Implement an In-house CCM Program
