MANAGED CARE January 2001. ©MediMedia USA
Humana and Accordant Health Services report achieving significant reductions of complications among patients with multiple sclerosis, lupus, and cystic fibrosis. Tracking 5,100 Humana members enrolled in its disease management program over 21 months, Accordant reported a 48-percent reduction in "exacerbation of illness." Hospitalization fell for these enrollees by 40 percent, while their overall cost of care dropped 20 percent.
The study tracked these enrollees from October 1998 to June 2000 — a period considerably longer than most reported DM outcomes studies, which typically range from three months to a year. The findings are being prepared for peer-reviewed publication later this year.
Making regular contact by phone and electronic means, Accordant offered personalized feedback to enrollees, teaching them skills to deal with complications before they reached a crisis.