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Chronic diseases are a serious problem in New York City, and are
disproportionately present in many of the communities served by HHC. The
management of diseases such as asthma, diabetes and heart failure is a
major challenge and HHC has stepped forward to apply findings from the
most recent medical advances to avoid complications, reduce
hospitalizations and prolong lives. Chronic disease collaborative teams
from HHC hospitals meet regularly and share their best practices which,
when consistently applied, can be successful in improving patient
outcomes.
Technology can play a major role in the management of chronic disease
and HHC is using it effectively. The web-based electronic diabetes
registry, which was first piloted at Queens and Elmhurst Hospital Centers,
has had a significant impact on management of the disease. The system
compiles information from HHC's electronic medical records to furnish
doctors with a "snapshot" of ongoing patient care. Having this information
at their fingertips enables physicians to provide more personalized,
better informed treatment, which leads to better disease management.
HHC has also developed a web-based Diabetes Wellness Center,
where patients being treated for diabetes can visit regularly to get tips
for successful management of this potentially complex health problem.
Technology is also used to drive new electronic asthma action plans,
which are chronic disease management tools designed to keep New York City
pediatric asthma patients out of emergency rooms and hospital beds. Again,
HHC staff use electronic medical records to create self-management
"contracts" that include detailed instruction about use of prescribed
medication, flow meters and strategies to avoid asthma triggers.
Research has shown that treating underlying depression is often key to
successful patient self-management of other diseases, and influences rate
of recovery. With this in mind, HHC care providers have an easy-to-use
electronic tool to help diagnose depression. HHC doctors are first
targeting patients with chronic illnesses, who tend to suffer from high
rates of depression. The corporation aims to eventually make depression
screening part of routine medical care for all patients.
All HHC facilities offer treatment to help patients manage chronic
disease. Click here to locate an HHC
facility near you. | 
