Chronic Care Management

What You Need to Know

What is chronic care management?

Chronic care management (also called CCM) is a level of extra support that we provide to our Medicare patients who have chronic medical conditions. Our practice’s CCM program can help you be as healthy as possible. It gives you access to the resources and guidance you need to manage your chronic conditions effectively.

Our CCM program includes coordination of the health care you get from us, as well as the care you may get at another doctor’s office, at the hospital, at the pharmacy, at your home, or from a community service organization.

Who will be enrolled?

All patients at Bridge Primary with Medicare and an eligible chronic condition will be enrolled in our CCM or APCM (Advanced Primary Care Management) program.

What is a chronic condition?

A chronic condition is a health problem that can be controlled with proper treatment but not cured. For example, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are chronic conditions.

What are the benefits of this program?

A dedicated care team from our practice will coordinate all of your health care. Although each patient is different, many patients who get CCM services can avoid expensive emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

Other benefits of signing up for the program include the following:

• We will work with you to create a personalized care plan that includes your health goals and specific action steps to meet them. We will also update your plan as necessary.
• We will give you extra support outside of office visits.
• A member of your care team will be accessible to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address your urgent care needs so that you can get this care regardless of the time of day or day of the week.
• You will always be able to schedule routine appointments with a designated member of your care team.
• We will schedule any preventive care that you need. For example, we will be sure that you get the flu vaccine at the right time every year.
• We will help you manage your medicines.
• We will coordinate the health care you get from us, as well as the care you may get at another doctor’s office, at the hospital, at the pharmacy, at your home, or from a community service organization.

Do I have to pay for CCM services?

These services are covered by Medicare Part B. They are subject to the usual Medicare deductible and coinsurance. Your insurance may charge a copay for each month in which you get qualifying CCM services. After the Medicare deductible has been met, most patients pay approximately $8 to $18 to coordinate their care during the month. If you have supplemental insurance, it may cover all or part of the copay/coinsurance amount. Check with your insurance carrier for details.

Can I stop getting CCM services?

If eligible, CCM services are encouraged at our practice.This is to ensure that the great primary care you are currently receiving remains sustainable. You do have a right to opt out of CCM services at any time