Living with a chronic disease can be challenging. However, with the right support and proactive management, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Let’s explore the essentials of chronic disease management programs, how they can benefit you, and the vital role an internal medicine physician plays in your healthcare journey.
What Is a Chronic Disease Condition?
Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions. They typically progress slowly and persist for a long time–even years.
These ongoing health problems usually require medical attention continuously. They also can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and may develop serious complications if not well-controlled.
Common examples of chronic disease conditions include:
- Diabetes, type 1 and type 2
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Arthritis (there are more than 100 kinds)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Asthma
- Obesity
Why Is It Important to Be Proactive About Chronic Health Conditions?
According to the CDC, six out of every 10 adult Americans have some kind of chronic disease. Being proactive about managing these conditions is so important for a number of reasons.
For example, good symptom management can prevent serious complications arising from chronic diseases. Effective management also enhances your daily life, allowing you to handle your daily responsibilities at home and work and to enjoy hobbies and recreation.
Finally, by managing your chronic condition, you reduce the need for emergency care and unplanned hospitalizations. You can lower your healthcare costs by regularly checking in with your primary care physician who will monitor your symptoms and make changes to your care plan as needed.
How Can Your Internal Medicine Physician in Dallas, TX, Help You Control Your Chronic Condition?
Your internal medicine physician in Dallas, TX, plays a central role in helping you manage your chronic disease. Here is how this top-notch healthcare provider can partner with you in wellness.
Tailored Chronic Disease Management Plans
Based on your specific diagnosis, your primary care physician will work with you to develop a personalized chronic disease management program. It will be based on your specific health needs.
This plan may include:
- Regular monitoring of your symptoms and vital signs
- Personalized medication and therapy plans
- Nutritional recommendations
- Exercise guidelines which make sense for your diagnosis, age, lifestyle, and desired therapeutic goals
Patient Education
Understanding your condition will help you manage it. Your physician will provide you with the necessary information to:
- Recognize and m.onitor your symptoms, such as low blood sugar, increasing anxiety or depression, changes in pain and discomfort and more
- Understanding your medications, how they are best taken and what their side effects may be.
- Make informed lifestyle choices about smoking, alcohol intake, stress reduction, and more.
Referrals to Healthcare Specialists
If your condition requires specialized care, your internal medicine doctor can refer you to the appropriate physicians, such as an orthopedic surgeon for arthritis. Your internal medicine doctor can facilitate your access, take care of transferring your pertinent health records, and keep you updated on diagnosis.
Ongoing Emotional Support
Having a physician who listens to you, understands your condition and provides emotional support is invaluable. Many patients find that their internal medicine doctors are not only expert healthcare providers but also compassionate friends when they need them most.
Chronic Disease Management Programs in Dallas, TX
Chronic disease management programs help patients just like you maintain their best possible health and well-being. By being proactive and working closely with your internal medicine physician, you can take control of your condition and enjoy a better quality of life.
Here is what just one of our patients has said about the care at Prime Internal Medicine Associates.
“I was extremely impressed with Dr. K and her staff. Dr. K was very thorough and spent a lot of time with me answering all of my questions. Her staff was friendly and professional and assisted me with getting an appointment with a specialist that Dr. K recommended I see. She is very good at handling complex cases and I am grateful that I am now under her care.”
So, if you are looking for excellent healthcare in Dallas, TX, don’t hesitate to reach out to Prime Internal Medicine Associates. Our expert physicians are Dr. Della Mathew and Dr. Shalini Katikaneni. Together, we can create a personalized plan to meet your unique needs.
For a personalized consultation, please call us at (972) 239-5445 or request your visit here. We look forward to serving you!
