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 Managing Your Heart Failure Successfully
What is the Heart Failure Care Management Program?
The Heart Failure Care Management Program is a special Kaiser Permanente program designed to help our members with heart failure gain control of their condition and its symptoms. This is a 6- to 12-month program where care managers help participants learn how to better manage their heart failure so they can lead a normal, more productive life.
Is the Heart Failure Care Management Program for you?
A referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is required to participate in the program. The referral will be reviewed by the care manager. If the program is appropriate for you, you will be contacted by the care manager.
Before starting the program, think about what you want to gain from this program and how ready you are to make the changes needed to manage heart failure better.
The decision to participate in the program is entirely up to you.
What can you expect from the program?
A specially trained nurse or clinical pharmacist will be your personal care manager. Your care manager, who will work in partnership with your physician or nurse practioner, will provide education and guidance over the next 6-12 months to help you successfully manage your heart failure. This is done primarily through scheduled telephone calls. During this time, you will also continue to see your physician or nurse practioner for medical and follow-up care.
The first appointment with your care manager will take place at the medical center. Your care manager will work with you to develop a specific, individualized treatment plan, including low-sodium meal planning, safe and healthy activity recommendations, safe and effective use of medications, and identifying and managing symptoms.
During subsequent telephone calls, your care manager will monitor your symptoms and health, and check on how well you are managing your heart failure. Your care manager will ensure that your treatment plan is as safe and effective as it can be and help you follow it. With your care manager's support, you will become more confident in following your treatment plan at home and in better managing your heart failure.
How will this program help you?
This program will help you understand what heart failure is and help you learn how to minimize its symptoms so that you can lead a full, productive life.
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