Disease Management Methodology And The Tools Used In Disease Management

Disease Management Methodology And The Tools Used In Disease Management
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Methodology is usually defined as the process or technique that one employs in order to effectively produce a desired outcome. So, that being said we will explore the methodology behind disease management as a whole. We will learn the method, the goal and how it helps patients live a healthier life.

The Tools Used in Disease Management

The tools are actually quite simplistic as the telephone, internet, literature, call centers for medical questions and support, and things of that sort are utilized. Think of it as telemedicine meets personal care.

The patient is required to become proactive and take the steps necessary to educate themselves on the particular disease. Then when they find something they believe might work for them they bring it to their doctor’s attention. The doctor will then run tests or look back and previous courses of action, if any, in order to determine if this is indeed the best solution to try.

The methodology is to employ any means necessary to achieve a healthy body. This means prevention, control, and remission. By first diagnosing, then education, then being in constant contact with your care physician along with every possible step to preventing any potential problems that might occur due to the disease, one can effectively manage the medical issue.

Disease and Economy

If you look at disease management in terms of our economy then you’ll see a bigger picture being painted. For instance, when people don’t take their illnesses to be a serious matter and due to cost or time they put off preventative measures or seeking professional advice, the disease will worsen.

If more and more people choose to ignore signs and symptoms of various medical conditions and they get worse then they’ll miss work and that doesn’t just put a financial strain on their bank account but it doesn’t do well for the jobs that aren’t getting done as a result either.

What Does All of this Mean?

Robert E. Stone, president of the Disease Management Association of America (DMAA) had this to say, “The simple value proposition for disease management is that healthier people cost less – health both in direct cost and in indirect cost. They make fewer demands on the system, they take less time off from work, and they have fewer interactions. There is certainly a savings against trend, and we all know what the current trend in healthcare costs looks like today.”

So, long story short, if we use disease management methodology we can help ensure our optimal health. By taking diseases of all types more seriously from the start and managing the cause and effect we can get a firmer handle on it and live a healthier life because of it.