Why Can't I Quit Smoking?
Millions of Americans try to quit smoking each year, but only a small number of people actually succeed. So why is it so hard to kick cigarettes to the curb? Read on.
A Closer Look at Transitional Care Management
If you have suffered an injury, undergone major surgery, or experienced a life-changing event, such as a stroke or heart attack, you know moving from a health-care setting to another setting can be challenging.
And this change can be especially challenging if you're going from a health care setting to home. Suddenly you assume a larger responsibility in keeping track of medications, doctors, and other health-care related issues.
If you’re going from a medical facility to home, there’s an option that can help with the transition. It’s called transitional care management. In this blog, the experts at Generations Family Practice in Cary, North Carolina, explain what transitional care management is all about.
The basics of transitional care management
If you’ve ever had an issue that required medical care, you’re likely aware that keeping track of medications and doctors’ appointments can get complicated quickly. Even under the best circumstances, communication can break down.
Experts estimate that 30% of patients transitioning from a hospital or inpatient care setting to home have at least one discrepancy between their discharge list of medications and the ones they usually take. It’s no wonder, then, that about 20% of all patients have some sort of preventable health problem within three weeks of returning home.
This is where transitional care management comes in.
The overarching goal of transitional care management is to take the pressure away from the patient or caregiver and replace it with a personalized coordinated services plan. This can allow the patient to receive all the resources, services, and tools they need to get proper medical care without placing the burden squarely on their shoulders.
Although it differs from patient to patient depending on the condition being treated, the typical transitional care management plan lasts about 30 days.
Services involved in transitional care management
In addition to helping you keep track of your medications, doctor visits, and other things related to your medical issue, Generations Family Practice can provide a number of other services, such as the following:
Physical rehabilitation
For many patients, restoring movement and mobility are at the top of their transitional needs. Our program offers physical rehabilitation therapy, which can be complimented by acupuncture or massage therapy to enhance mobility and promote healing.
Pain management
Similarly, the healing and transitional process often revolves around the need to control pain. Our highly skilled team offers a vast array of pain-relieving solutions, including osteopathic manipulation and joint injections, which work well with massage and physical therapy.
Chronic care management
For some of our transitional care management patients, their underlying medical condition is something they’ll have for the rest of their life. The important thing to remember is that just because you have a serious medical issue, such as a heart problem or diabetes, doesn’t mean you can’t live a long and productive life. There are plenty of things you can do to lower your risk of developing complications and reduce unpleasant symptoms through chronic care management.
Smoking cessation
Quitting smoking may be the most difficult lifestyle change that patients ever have to tackle. At Generations Family Practice, you won’t have to go it alone. We offer highly effective smoking cessation programs and treatments that can help you kick tobacco and nicotine to the curb for good.
Transitional care management can improve patient outcomes
Although the sheer volume of multidisciplinary services often connected to transitional care management is impressive, the most important takeaway is that research suggests that transitional care management programs work. Not only can they improve patient outcomes, but they can also prevent the need for hospital readmissions.
If you have a chronic medical condition or are about to undergo a major surgery and want to learn more about transitional care management, call 919-852-3999 or book an appointment online with Generations Family Practice today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
I Think I Have an STD: What Now?
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are very common and can be embarrassing to talk about, even with your doctor. Read on to learn more about STDs and what to do if you think you’ve been exposed.
The Importance of Having an Annual Exam
Going to your doctor when you’re sick is natural, and makes good common sense. But what about when you’re feeling well? Should you visit your doctor periodically anyway? Read on to learn more about the benefits of an annual exam.
Why Do I Have UTIs So Frequently?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that are annoying no matter how often they happen. Some women have frequent bouts of UTIs, leaving them questioning why. Read on to learn more.
The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects nearly half of all Americans. While a common condition, the dangers of high blood pressure shouldn’t be underestimated as it can cause serious health implications if left untreated and even be life-threatening. Read on.
My Child Is Afraid of the Doctor: What Can I Do?
A doctor’s visit can be a scary experience for children. Maybe they remember getting a needle at their last appointment, or maybe it’s the fear of the unknown. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Read on.