Living with a long term health condition can mean making healthcare part of your regular routine.
Some health conditions need ongoing care rather than a single appointment. You may need regular health checks, changes to your treatment plan, referrals or support with daily habits.
This is where Chronic Disease Care can be helpful.
Chronic disease care focuses on managing a health condition over time. The aim is to understand your health needs, monitor changes and help you stay involved in your care.
At Haan Health, chronic disease care is part of general practice support for patients managing ongoing health conditions.
What Is a Chronic Disease?
A chronic disease is a health condition that can continue for a long period of time.
Some common chronic conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
The way these conditions affect people can vary.
Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may need regular monitoring and treatment.
Your GP can help you understand your condition and what ongoing care may be suitable.
Why Does Ongoing Care Matter?
Managing a chronic condition is not only about treating symptoms when they appear.
Regular healthcare appointments can help your GP keep track of your health and identify changes that may need attention.
Depending on your condition, this may include:
- Regular health checks
- Reviewing medicines
- Checking blood pressure
- Reviewing blood test results
- Monitoring symptoms
- Discussing lifestyle habits
- Referrals to other healthcare professionals
- Updating your care plan
The type and frequency of care will depend on your condition and individual health needs.
Managing a Chronic Condition Can Take Time
It is normal for your health needs to change over time.
Your symptoms may change.
Your medicines may need to be reviewed.
Your lifestyle may also change because of work, family responsibilities, age or other health concerns.
This means your healthcare plan may also need to change.
Regular communication with your GP can help you discuss these changes and decide what should happen next.
Chronic Disease Care Is Not the Same for Everyone
There is no single plan that works for every person.
For example, someone living with diabetes may need regular checks of blood glucose, blood pressure and other aspects of their health.
Someone with asthma may need to discuss symptoms, triggers and medicines.
A person living with heart disease may need regular monitoring and coordination with other healthcare professionals.
The care you receive should be based on your health condition, medical history and current needs.
Your Role in Managing Your Health
Managing a chronic condition is a shared process.
Your GP and healthcare team can provide medical care and advice, but your involvement also matters.
You can help by:
- Taking medicines as prescribed
- Attending recommended appointments
- Telling your GP about changes in your symptoms
- Asking questions when you are unsure
- Following your agreed care plan
- Keeping track of relevant health information
- Discussing lifestyle changes that may be realistic for you
If something about your treatment is difficult to manage, tell your healthcare professional.
There may be another approach that can be discussed.
Medicines and Regular Reviews
People with chronic conditions may take medicines for long periods.
Your medicines may need to be reviewed from time to time.
During a review, your GP may discuss:
- How you are responding to treatment
- Any side effects
- Whether you are taking medicines as advised
- Other medicines you are using
- Changes in your health
- Whether further tests are needed
Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without speaking with your doctor.
If you are having problems with a medicine, discuss this with your GP.
When Should You Book an Appointment?
You do not always need to wait until you feel unwell to speak with your GP about a chronic condition.
An appointment may be useful if:
- Your symptoms have changed
- Your current treatment is not working as expected
- You are having difficulty taking your medicines
- You have questions about your condition
- You have received new test results
- You need a review of your care
- You have developed new symptoms
Regular reviews can also help your healthcare team understand how your condition is changing.
What Happens During Chronic Disease Care?
Your appointment will depend on your condition and health needs.
Your GP may discuss:
- Your current symptoms
- Your medical history
- Current medicines
- Recent test results
- Lifestyle factors
- Your daily activities
- Your treatment plan
- Any referrals you may need
You may also be asked about how your condition affects your everyday life.
This helps your GP understand what type of support may be appropriate.
Working With Different Healthcare Professionals
Chronic disease care may sometimes involve more than your GP.
Depending on your condition, you may need support from other healthcare professionals.
These may include:
- Nurses
- Dietitians
- Physiotherapists
- Pharmacists
- Specialists
- Other allied health professionals
Your GP can help coordinate care when referrals or additional support are needed.
The healthcare professionals involved will depend on your individual condition and circumstances.
Chronic Disease Care at Haan Health
Haan Health provides general practice care for patients who need support with ongoing health conditions.
Through its Chronic Disease Care service, the focus is on helping patients manage their health over time through appropriate medical reviews, monitoring and care planning.
If you are living with a chronic health condition or need ongoing support with your health, you can speak with the Haan Health team about your healthcare needs.
Learn more about Chronic Disease Care
https://haanhealth.com.au/services/mental-health-chronic-disease-care/
Visit Haan Health