Overcoming Alcohol Dependence
Scott, a 60-year-old man living with his spouse, faced a complex medical situation. He struggled with diabetes, cirrhosis, and hypertension, and his high prescription costs compounded his difficulties. Previous to working with Conifer, Scott had been hospitalized for alcohol dependence, revealing multiple gaps in his care.
How Conifer’s Personal Health Nurse (PHN) Helped
With the support of Conifers’ Personal Health Nurse (PHN), he started to embrace lifestyle changes and better diabetes management. His engagement with his health improved, allowing the PHN to make a greater impact on his overall well-being, enhance evidence-based medicine adherence, and work with his healthcare providers to address additional needs. The road to recovery was challenging. Initially, Scott was hesitant to open up about his alcohol abuse, and his blood sugar levels were alarmingly high, with A1c readings of 13.9%. Despite these issues, he eventually began to make significant strides.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. When the PHN made her first reach, Scott denied having any needs. However, the PHN provided education on diabetic supplies and continued to follow up. Over the next few months, Scott remained reluctant but was encouraged to discuss his care gaps with his primary care provider. By the next follow-up, Scott had addressed several vaccine gaps, though he still struggled with high blood sugars and needed dietary education.
The PHN mailed diabetic education materials and made multiple calls to discuss them with Scott. Despite his initial hesitation to fully engage, the PHN’s persistent, incremental education and motivation eventually led Scott to participate more actively in his care. Over the course of a year, the PHN maintained consistent contact, provided necessary education, coordinated diabetic supplies, monitored sobriety, and managed his insulin needs through a patient assistance program, helping Scott afford his medications.
Member Results
Scott’s commitment to his health paid off. He continued to maintain sobriety and incorporated daily walks of 3.5 miles into his routine, showing remarkable progress. He has great progress in lifestyle changes and diabetes management and is now fully engaged. He has also increased his adherence to medical guidelines for his age and conditions and continues to coordinate with his PCP to assess any additional needs.
Conclusion
Scott’s journey illustrates the profound impact of dedicated, personalized care in overcoming addiction and managing chronic health conditions, ultimately leading to a healthier and more hopeful future.
Individualized Approach
Personal. Health. Nurse.
Help members navigate the care continuum to find the right care, in the right setting, at the right time —go beyond episodic case management or chronic disease management.
Our Personal Health Nurses engage members and optimize benefit plan utilization through collaborative care management and heightened health literacy.
Conifer Health’s Population Health Management solutions are powered by ConiferCore® technology, a proprietary platform for:
Member Advocacy
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Care Navigation
Dedicated one-on-one collaboration and care planning with a Registered Nurse
Disease Management
Goal-based programs care for the person, not just the chronic condition
Case Management
Support members most at-risk for high-dollar or ineffective benefit utilization
Utilization Management
Maximize member access to the right care, in the right setting, at the right time