Community Health Discussion (LEO)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 130 million Americans suffer from a chronic illness. In a 2013 study, the CDC found that one of every three Americans suffers from at least one chronic condition. More than two-thirds (69%) of the Medicare patients in the study suffered from two or more chronic conditions, and a third of all Medicare patients had four or more chronic conditions.

The cost of these illnesses is considerable. The CDC has estimated that about 85% of Federal healthcare dollars are allocated to the treatment of chronic conditions. For just the top seven most prevalent chronic diseases, the estimated cost of treatment is $1.3 trillion. As the U.S. population ages, the number of chronically ill is anticipated to increase, putting a growing burden on our healthcare system.

Based on the information provided what are some of the best cost effective intervention strategies healthcare organizations can put in place to reduce or eliminate these health disparities?