Disease Management - Random Thoughts

There has been a lot of talk about disease management, Payors love it as it reduces cost, Providers love it because the patient is visiting the hospital often and taking care of himself better, patient loves because he can control his own well being. Well are all the above a myth? How practical are they?

Here is what the industry will create soon

1. Every payor, provider will rollout a disease management platform - too many to handle or centralize
2. Tools are becoming way too complicated with device integration etc. and lack common sense.
3. Too much data and no intelligence

Myths
1. Patient once he enrolls into a program will embrace it and be faithful to the program like an ideal husband
2. The more features you provide the better the patient will handle his disease
3. One size fits all model - what about the aging population that lacks computer skills?

Reality

1. Low patient enrollment rates and High drop out rates have caused more than half of the disease management programs to close down or be un viable.
2. The more the features the less it is used by patient
3. One size does NOT fit all - you need a 360 degree solution not just an online tool
4. Behavior - the single most important thing that needs to be changed for the patient to help him manage his disease.
5. Naming the disease management portals "Chronic" gives it a negative connotation and discourages people from using it. Lack of consumer sensitivity and experience.

Well, so much for today. Bottomline I feel disease management is here to stay - it needs to be positioned well, the sensitivities are to be managed well and patient incentivated for using the same.