About 60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease or condition, like diabetes, heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, asthma, and arthritis, leading causes of death in the United States.
Chronic diseases can take a toll on us physically and emotionally. Without proper care, they can cause serious — even life-threatening — complications.
Although they can’t be cured, chronic medical issues can be managed. But it means engaging in careful planning and ongoing support. Having a patient-centered care plan makes managing chronic conditions easier, especially if you have more than one.
A leading primary care provider here in Goodyear, Arizona, John Monroe, MD, helps our patients at Healthy Life Family Medicine optimize their health with patient-centered care plans and lifestyle support based on their unique needs.
If you have chronic medical problems, here’s how a patient-centered care plan can help.
Patient-centered care is just what the name implies: care that’s focused on an individual’s unique medical needs, lifestyle, and other personal factors that influence health and wellness.
At Healthy Life Family Medicine, we develop care plans with the cooperation of the patient, doctor, and sometimes other family members or caregivers.
With patient-centered care, we work together to set treatment goals and coordinate all aspects of your care, even when that involves multiple providers.
In addition to any necessary medication or other medical therapies, your plan includes lifestyle optimization focused on diet, exercise, socialization, stress management, and other factors important to your health.
And, of course, we offer plenty of support and education to help you understand your condition and care plan.
Our chronic care plans are based on six characteristics or principles.
Chronic diseases don’t take breaks or follow set schedules. Once enrolled in a patient-centered care plan, you can reach our team anytime, day or night, to ask questions and discuss concerns about your treatment or the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Seeing the same team for all your appointments means you don’t have to repeat your concerns at every visit. It also helps you and your provider develop a trusting relationship based on a deep understanding of your needs and preferences.
In addition to medical treatment for chronic disease, we provide ancillary care, including regular physicals, lab tests, and health screenings focused on your overall wellness. We also manage your medications to reduce the risk of side effects and potentially dangerous interactions.
Your personalized treatment plan is based on state-of-the-art therapies and up-to-the-minute research, helping you enjoy optimal wellness and manage your condition more effectively.
Every aspect of your care plan takes your needs, physical and emotional, into consideration.
If you’re hospitalized or treated at an emergency room or in-patient facility, our team makes sure your health history is communicated clearly and effectively so you enjoy continued care without interruptions.
Plus, we can help make the transition back home a lot easier by coordinating with home caregivers, loved ones, and others involved in helping you get back to your routine.
As noted, our team works with others on your medical team, including specialists and therapists, to ensure every aspect of care stays on track and focused on your evolving needs.
Patient-centered care tailors your treatment plan to suit your medical needs, lifestyle, and preferences, making it easier to stay on track.
To learn more about patient-centered care plans and how they can help you stay healthy, schedule your appointment with Dr. Monroe and the team at Healthy Life Family Medicine today.
