St. James Hospital promoting chronic care management for Medicare patients

Published 12:11 am Wednesday, July 11, 2018

LUTCHER — St. James Parish Hospital offers Chronic Care Management to help Medicare patients with two or more chronic conditions.

The goal of Chronic Care Management is ongoing support to patients in order to help reduce complications and emergencies associated with chronic conditions. In addition, Chronic Care Management improves coordination between all caregivers and ultimately helps patients with life-altering conditions remain as healthy and functional as possible.

The program is covered by Medicare for traditional Medicare patients of the hospital’s primary care clinics: Lutcher Family Clinic, Poche Medical Clinic and St. James West Bank Clinic.

The patient must have at least two chronic conditions and have had a recent Annual Wellness Visit or visit with their primary care physician.

Once starting the program, patients can expect to develop a continuous relationship with the hospital’s Care Coordinators.

These registered nurses work with patients to create a personalized care plan and goals.

They will remain in contact to revisit goals and discuss referrals, consults and test results.

In addition, enrolled patients have 24/7 support as needed through a nurse hotline.

Patients who meet these criteria or want to learn more, can contact one of our Care Coordinators at 225-258-2066 or 225-258-2067.