The Power of Disease management: remember the phrase "Knowledge is Power".

• Author: Altherr, Angela
• Position: ADVICE: HEALTH

THE PHRASE "KNOWLEDGE is Power" originated in 1597 by Sir Francis Bacon.

Just as the phrase "Knowledge is Power" represents a different meaning to individuals, the words "Disease management" represent various services provided by countless vendors which often leave employers asking "What do you mean when you say disease management? What do I look for in a disease management program? How do I know if I'm getting what I've paid for?"

Disease management is simply this: a data-management process. Remember the phrase "Knowledge is Power," the more data that can be managed, the better equipped individuals will be to maneuver through the health care system.

Several programs have reported Return on Investments (ROI) ranging from 1:1 up to 4:1. The problem with strictly using ROI to base your decision about implementing a disease management program is the fact that the manner in which ROI is calculated varies greatly among vendors. It is essential to look at how disease management is integrated with your members and their claims on an everyday basis.

What makes for a good disease management program? At the very least an employer must offer a member-focused program that is interlinked with accredited utilization management and case management programs which utilire a predictive modeling tool that has been assessed for accuracy. The ultimate disease management program goes one step further by offering a health-risk assessment and a personal health record allowing employers to provide a comprehensive health care program that not only empowers members to better manage their health care, but also provides actionable opportunities to improve health care quality and lower costs.

What is the look of this utopia? Imagine a world where all of your health care efforts are interlaced providing a loop in which data flows freely between the claims...