Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious personal health challenge for those affected by the condition. For employers and health plans, CKD underscores the need for innovative solutions that can proactively address factors that may drive its progression. Conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity affect a significant portion of the workforce and insured populations, and these conditions are among the leading causes of CKD.

A partnership with Ochsner Digital Medicine can provide a proven solution that improves outcomes and reduces long-term healthcare costs.

Why CKD and Related Conditions Demand Attention

CKD often progresses without noticeable symptoms until the damage is significant. Behind the scenes, the condition quietly diminishes kidney function, leading to complications that often escalate to dialysis or transplant. It is likely to occur alongside diabetes and hypertension—conditions prevalent in working-age and insured adults. In fact, 1 in 3 adults in the United States have at least one cardiometabolic condition and less than 7% of the U.S. population has optimal cardiometabolic health.

For employers, this represents:

• Higher  absenteeism and loss of productivity due to employee health complications.
• Escalating  healthcare costs associated with untreated or poorly managed chronic conditions.

For health plans, CKD and its associated conditions contribute to:

• Rising claims for advanced treatments like dialysis or organ transplants.
• Poor health outcomes that reflect unfavorably in quality reporting metrics.

Monitoring blood pressure and diabetes with the right tools and technology and managing these conditions with the right medications is the most important action to slow CKD progression and preserve kidney function.

Ochsner Digital Medicine offers a digital pathway to receivecenter-of-excellence care for managing cardiometabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes,hypertension and weight. By offering digital tools and access to a clinical care team, this program transforms the care of cardiometabolic disease throughremote patient management. Digital Medicine empowers members to take control oftheir health anytime, anywhere. The results are proven, quantifiable benefits to employers and health plans.

Here’s how Ochsner Digital Medicine makes a difference:

1. Better Cardiometabolic Management

Our program provides employees and plan members with personal devices, such as a digital glucometer or blood pressure cuff. These devices sync with smartphones or tablets to upload member readings directly to their electronic medical record. This technology helps members stay engaged and accountable in managingtheir conditions.

Licensed clinicians monitor patients remotely, adjusting medicationsand care plans as needed. Health coaches provide lifestyle support forsustainable behavioral changes. This proactive approach minimizes thelikelihood of complications, including CKD progression, and helps individualsavoid more costly treatments.

2. Reduced Healthcare Costs

Effective management of diabetes and hypertension leads to fewer serioushealth events and decreased reliance on emergency care. It may also help toreduce CKD-associated costs. Ochsner Digital Medicine delivers measurablesavings for employers and health plans through reduced claims, lower overallabsenteeism and increased productivity.

3. Improved Employee and Member Engagement

Employees and plan members enrolled in Ochsner Digital Medicine are not left to navigate their conditions alone. The care team’s guidance also includes encouragement for preventive care, such as annual screening reminders and follow-ups tailored to lessen long-term risks.

This holistic, continuous-care approach empowers individuals to live healthier lives while building trust and loyalty with their employer or plan.

4. Enhancing Benefits Packages and Retention

For employers, offering a program like Ochsner Digital Medicine as part of an employee benefits package signals a deep commitment to employee well-being. Employees want proactive solutions, not reactive treatments.

For health plans, partnering with Ochsner improves population health and enhances member satisfaction. This strategic collaboration aligns your plan offerings with forward-thinking, value-based healthcare trends.

5. Measurable Outcomes for Employers and Plans

Ochsner Digital Medicine emphasizes results. Engaged participants see significant improvements, with 4 out of 5 members achieving blood pressure and blood sugar control within 6 months of enrollment. The program demonstrates an average savings of $2,200 per member per year.

These outcomes translate into healthier members, sustained productivity and lower costs for your bottom line.

By including Ochsner Digital Medicine in your employee health benefits or as part of a health plan’s service offerings, you promote a solution that meets the needs of today’s challenges while getting ahead of tomorrow’s costs.

With CKD on the rise and the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions, now is the time to act. Ochsner Digital Medicine provides the tools, technology and clinical team to drive better health outcomes for employees and plan members, while reducing the financial burden of unmanaged cardiometabolic conditions.

Partner with Ochsner Digital Medicine today to create a healthier future.

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