Q&A: What Is Chronic Care Management and How Can It Help You Stay Healthier?
Living with chronic health conditions can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Through Oaklawn’s partnership with CareHarmony, eligible Medicare patients now have access to Chronic Care Management (CCM), a service designed to help you manage your health more effectively between visits to your doctor.
Here’s a quick Q&A to help you understand how the program works and how it can support your health goals.
Q: What is Chronic Care Management (CCM)?
A: Chronic Care Management is a Medicare-supported program that provides an extra layer of personalized support to patients living with two or more chronic conditions—such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, COPD, or heart disease.
Under this program, you’re paired with a dedicated CareHarmony care coordinator who works in close partnership with your Oaklawn provider to support your health between office visits.
Q: How does Chronic Care Management (CCM) through CareHarmony differ from the care managers employed by Oaklawn within the Oaklawn Medical Group offices?
A: CareHarmony’s chronic care managers are employed by CareHarmony, which partners with Oaklawn to deliver chronic care management services to Medicare patients. They provide proactive outreach and support on a 24/7, year-round basis (365/24/7), ensuring patients have consistent access to assistance and resources outside of office visits.
In contrast, the care managers employed by Oaklawn and located within the Oaklawn Medical Group offices typically provide care on a reactive basis, such as following a hospital discharge or an emergency department visit. While they play an important role in coordinating follow-up care, they are not available around the clock like CareHarmony’s chronic care managers.
Q: What can a care coordinator help me with?
A: Your care coordinator serves as your go-to resource for a wide range of needs, including:
- Monitoring your daily wellness
- Scheduling and coordinating appointments with specialists
- Assisting with medication refills and checking for drug interactions
- Helping with transportation and enrolling in community programs
- Keeping you on track with your personalized treatment plan
- Providing 24/7/365 access to care coordination support
Q: How does this help me stay healthier?
A: CCM extends your care beyond your doctor’s office. Instead of waiting until your next appointment, your care coordinator checks in regularly to catch potential issues early, keep your treatments aligned, and help you avoid emergency room visits or hospitalizations. It’s a proactive approach to health that helps you feel better and stay in control of your chronic conditions.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: If you are a Medicare patient with two or more chronic conditions, you are likely eligible. After enrolling, a care coordinator will reach out by phone to introduce themselves, learn about your health goals, and begin creating your customized care plan.
Q: What does it cost?
A: CCM is covered by Medicare, though costs may vary depending on your insurance. Here’s what you need to know:
- If you have secondary insurance, you may have no out-of-pocket cost.
- If not, you may pay a monthly copay, subject to your deductible and coinsurance (typically 20%).
- It’s best to review your specific plan to understand your coverage.
- You can opt out at any time—there are no contracts or commitments.
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Enrolling is simple:
- Give us a call at (269) 789-3868 to discuss eligibility.
- Once enrolled, your CareHarmony coordinator will contact you to get started.
- From there, you’ll begin receiving ongoing support tailored to your health and lifestyle.
Q: Can you give an example of how this works in real life?
A: Absolutely! Imagine John, a 77-year-old living with diabetes and asthma. After enrolling in CCM, his care coordinator, Jane, helps him:
- Schedule a specialist appointment
- Send medical records ahead of the visit
- Follow up with the specialist to update his treatment plan
- Check for medication interactions
- Provide follow-up care to ensure he adjusts well
This kind of support not only improves John’s outcomes—it gives him peace of mind knowing someone is always there to help.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Managing your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Oaklawn and CareHarmony, you’ll have a dedicated care team in your corner—24/7, every day of the year.
To learn more or enroll, visit www.care-harmony.com or call (269) 789-3868 today.
