Minnesota results demonstrate the effectiveness of disease management programs in improving outcomes for chronic conditions.

Minnesota Medicaid patients who participated for six months in the Asthma Action disease management program experienced dramatic reductions in hospitalizations and unscheduled physician visits. The program was offered by Matria Healthcare Inc. and its partner National Jewish Medical and Research Center to 53,000 UCare Minnesota Medicaid beneficiaries. Among other interventions, the program provided 24 hour toll-free telephone support staffed by respiratory specialty nurses for improved management of acute episodes and to guide members through physician-prescribed action plans.

Another program by BlueCross and BlueShield of Minnesota with American Healthways, a Nashville based disease management company, showed substantial cost savings after the first year of a 10 year program covering 17 different chronic conditions and diseases. The program provided outcomes focused care to 130,000 members with diabetes, coronary artery disease and other chronic conditions and resulted in reduced hospitalizations and savings of $3 for every dollar spent on the program.