Chronic Conditions: Making the Case for Ongoing Care

Publication Date:

Publisher: Partnership for Solutions

Author(s): G. Anderson; J. Horvath; J.R. Knickman; D.C. Colby; S. Schear; M. Jung

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Growing numbers of people with chronic conditions are seeking care in a system that is not structured to respond to their needs. Today more than 125 million people, or almost half of all Americans, live with a chronic condition. By 2020, that number is projected to reach an estimated 157 million. This chartbook, prepared by Partnership for Solutions, continues the work of "Chronic Care in America: A 21st Century Challenge," which was published in 1996. It provides an updated overview of chronic health conditions in the United States and implications of conditions on individuals, their caregivers and the health care system. The chartbook outlines demographic information, updated prevalence rates and projections for people with chronic conditions; details spending and utilization for people with multiple chronic conditions and chronic illness and activity limitations; and illuminates, from the physician and patient perspectives, the obstacles to providing and obtaining optimal care for people with chronic conditions. Data sources for the chartbook include the 1998 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the 1999 Medicare Standard Analytic File, opinion surveys, and the 1996 Survey of Income and Program Participation. Providers, policy-makers, payors, and patients can work together to create a new model of care that provides coordination and quality care for individuals living with chronic conditions.