Resources available to help doctors, FEP members manage chronic conditions

Chronic conditions continue to be the leading cause of health care costs in the United States. Six in 10 adults have a chronic condition while 4 in 10 adults have two or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease, chronic lung disease, stroke and diabetes are among the top conditions leading to disability and death.

Take advantage of the resources and support below for providers and Service Benefit Plan members to manage chronic conditions. 

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, outcomes in recent decades have substantially improved. However, collaborative research from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association found that ASCVD remains the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. To help curb this trend, the ACC developed a 10-year ASCVD risk estimation tool.** The tool is designed to help physicians identify patients at risk and facilitate clinician-patient discussion to optimize care and lower risks.

FEP Service Benefit Plan members can go to  fepblue.org/hearthealth to access heart health resources on nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation.

Asthma

In 2018, Michigan had the sixth highest number of people diagnosed with asthma in the U.S., according to the CDC. To assist doctors with the care of asthma patients, the National Institutes of Health, along with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, published a quick reference.**

FEP Service Benefit Plan members can go to fepblue.org/asthma to access asthma management resources, such as asthma assessment and tracker tools to help learn about and monitor their asthma condition.

Hypertension

When high blood pressure was redefined to 130/80, the prevalence of U.S. adults with high blood pressure jumped from 32% to nearly 46%, the AHA found. Accurate measurement and recordings of blood pressure are essential to determine blood pressure related to cardiovascular disease risks and guide care management.

Click here for the 2020 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan star measure tip sheet on controlling high blood pressure. The tip sheet provides information on taking blood pressure readings in the office and talking with patients about maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

FEP Service Benefit Plan members can go to fepblue.org/hypertension for additional information, including how they can qualify for a free blood pressure monitor and incentives.

Diabetes

More than 7 million people in the U.S. have undiagnosed diabetes, the CDC reports. Additionally, approximately 1.5 million new cases were diagnosed in 2018. Guiding Principles** is a NIH resource for health care professionals that focuses on the care of people with diabetes or for those at risk. The principles emphasize the importance of diabetes self-management education and support.

FEP Service Benefit Plan members can find education and resources through their health plan. They have access to diabetes management support and incentive programs along with a free glucometer. Service Benefit Plan members can go to  fepblue.org/diabetes to find out how to qualify.

Providers and members can call the Customer Service line at 1-800-482-3600 or go to fepblue.org if they have questions about FEP benefits or wellness programs.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.