Decreasing Health Plan Costs and Improving Outcomes: Results of Accordant Health Services Complex Chronic Disease Management Program

Disease management programs are one strategy used by health plans, employers, and public payers to contain the rising health care costs of individuals with complex chronic diseases. Typically, health plans contract with disease management firms or groups of specialty providers to manage and care for particular subsets of patients. For instance, they may ‘carve out’ or contract with a disease management company to manage clients with mental health problems, AIDS, cancer, or other high-cost chronic health disorders.