ASTHMA

OptumHealth’s Asthma Program is designed to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and health care costs, reduce absenteeism, and improve quality of life.

The Program applies the best practices and clinical guidelines of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and includes:

• Comprehensive assessments by specialty-trained registered nurses to determine the appropriate level of intervention
• Focus on adherence with medication regimens and reducing/eliminating risk factors
• Individualized action plans to help program participants monitor symptoms
• Proactive outbound and responsive inbound nurse calls
• Alert reports are sent to physicians if significant issues are detected and pre-visit reports that are sent to facilitate data sharing on critical findings
• Management of risk factors and co-morbidities including hypertension and depression
• Educational programs, which include an asthma diary and reinforcement of regular peak flow meter use
• Satisfaction and quality-of-life surveys

The Asthma program has delivered the following results:

• 6.8% reduction in admissions
• 9.8% reduction in inpatient days
• 97% consumer satisfaction rate