The study analyzed survey data that revealed how closely physicians adhered to five care-management processes between 2006 and 2013. The processes included: patient education; reminders about preventive care; nurse care mangers to coordinate care; care quality feedback; and disease registries identifying patients with chronic conditions.
Health Affair‘s March edition published the study.
Here are five insights:
1. Between 2012 and 2013, physician groups used 0.8 care-management processes for patients with depression.
2. In that same time period, physicians used 1.7 processes for diabetes patients.
3. Physicians used 1.1 care-management processes for congestive heart failure and asthma patients.
4. Although all of these measures are low, patients with depression receive much less management help.
5. The researchers concluded primary care practices are not using the proper tools to help patients with depression, thus undermanaging the condition.
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