Disease Management

Assistance for Those Affected with Chronic Illnesses

Disease Management Contact

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

  • Debra Carroll, BSN, RN
  • Disease Management Registered Nurse

What is Disease Management?

Disease Management is a program designed to assist those with chronic conditions such as:

  • Asthma
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Emotional Health

The program is covered by your AlaskaCare Employee Health plan for individuals with the conditions listed above and is administered by HealthSmart Care Management Solutions. All personal health information collected as part of this program is kept confidential by HealthSmart Care Management Solutions and is not shared with your employer.

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Why should I be interested?

Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. These diseases also cause major limitations in daily living for almost 1 out of 10 Americans or about 25 million people.

The goal of the program is to improve your health and quality of life while managing your healthcare expenses. To accomplish this, we provide you with educational materials about your healthcare condition(s), work with you on making lifestyle changes, and support you in following your medical treatment plans. The program helps you to take control of your health and to participate in your treatment, with the goal of improving overall health and quality of life.

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Will my health information remain confidential?

Yes, all personal health information collected as part of this program is kept confidential by HealthSmart Care Management Solutions and is not shared with your employer.

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How does the program work?

Patient education and support are the cornerstones of this program, with results being the focus. The following methods are designed to improve long-term health and to conserve benefit dollars:

  • encourage and support lifestyle modifications
  • structure goal-oriented patient and family education related to disease process and complications
  • provide disease-specific brochures
  • offer regular contact with our Registered Nurses
  • provide care coordination
  • facilitate access to alternative and community resources
  • individualize care plans
  • check compliance with treatment plan
  • create individualized goals
  • promote of self-management and problem solving skills
  • reduce stress

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Who pays for the program?

This valuable benefit is a part of your healthcare plan at no extra cost to you.

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Does this replace my doctor?

The Disease Management program does not replace your doctor. The program complements the relationship with your doctor and reinforces compliance with the treatment plan established by your doctor.

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How do I enroll in the disease management program?

Once you are identified as having a chronic condition, you are automatically enrolled into the program. Both you and your doctor will receive a welcome letter from HealthSmart confirming enrollment along with a follow-up telephone call from a registered nurse to answer any questions. You can request to be removed from the program any time.

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Living Well Alaska self-management program

The Living Well Alaska program is based on Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). It is a six-week workshop designed to help Alaskans manage their chronic conditions. Workshops address the following:

  • Starting an exercise program
  • Cognitive symptom management;
  • Healthy eating
  • Breathing exercises
  • Relaxation
  • Creating and modifying an action plan
  • Problem solving
  • Communicating with family, friends, and health care providers
  • Dealing with the emotions of chronic illness, particularly anger and depression

For upcoming self-management workshop information, please visit the Living Well Alaska program homepage.

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