Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Many hospitals and insurers have developed disease management (DM) programs to educate people who have heart failure about their disease. Disease management includes a broad range of health services, such as home health care, visiting nurses, and rehabilitation. The goal of DM programs is to offer a combination of treatment, complication prevention, and education in a variety of settings. Although it is a relatively new concept, studies and reports suggest that DM programs offer two main benefits: A range of providers and health plans focus on the following three aspects of heart failure treatment. To achieve these goals, heart failure disease management programs usually provide a wide variety of services. These services can include dietary consultations, health assessments, medicine information, weight-loss help, sodium/fluid management, and exercise programs and facilities. One of the main benefits of disease management is that it can be delivered by case managers and program coordinators right in your own home. DM programs aim to decrease the chance of sudden flare-ups of symptoms. The most expensive part of heart failure treatment is the treatment of sudden (acute) flare-ups of symptoms. If an acute flare-up happens, you will often be hospitalized, your drug regimen will usually be changed, and the number of times that you see a doctor will increase. You can help prevent sudden flare-ups by following your self-care plan and taking your medicines correctly. DM programs are available in some hospitals and through large health insurers. But they are not available at every hospital or through every health plan. If you are interested in taking part in an organized DM program, ask your doctor or nurses about any programs for which you might be eligible. Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Heart Failure: Disease Management Programs
Overview
How do DM programs work?
The main reason for DM programs
Are there DM programs everywhere?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.Heart Failure: Disease Management Programs