Care Management of Patients with Complex Health Care Needs

Patients with complex health care needs represent a small but growing sector of the U.S. population. Most patients in this high-cost group are Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, frequent hospitalizations and limitations on their ability to perform basic daily functions because of physical, mental and psychosocial challenges.

Bodenheimer TS, Berry-Millett R.Care Management of Patients with Complex Health Care Needs. Princenton:Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2009. Available at: http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=52372

Given that health care spending for people with five or more chronic conditions is 17 times higher than for those without them, health policy experts are looking toward care management as a means to improve quality and control costs for patients with complex health care needs. A new report from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Synthesis Project explores the various care management programs which seek to reduce costs and enhance quality for people with complex health care needs.