Chronic Care Management

Chronic Care Management services offered in Alpharetta and Suwanee, GA

Any medical condition that requires long-term care and prevents you from participating in normal activities like work or exercise is considered chronic. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability in America, accounting for $3.3 trillion in health care costs every year. At Northside Primary Care, Inc in Alpharetta and Suwanee, Georgia, Aazrum Syed, MD, and the team regularly diagnose and treat people living with chronic disease. If you dream of living a healthier life, call the nearest office or use the online booking tool to request an appointment today.

Chronic Care Management Q & A

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management is an integrated, holistic approach to treating disease that involves preventive measures, including regular screenings, check-ups, monitoring, and patient education. Chronic disease management also includes coordinated care between providers to relieve your symptoms, reduce the cost of health care, and improve your overall quality of life.

Is there anything I can do to prevent chronic disease?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent chronic disease entirely. However, there are steps you can take to significantly lower your risk. The team at Northside Primary Care, Inc recommends living a healthy and active lifestyle. This includes:

Eating a well-balanced diet
Exercising regularly
Participating in preventive exams and screenings
Getting plenty of sleep
Managing your stress levels

You can also lower your risk of chronic disease by drinking plenty of water and avoiding bad habits like using tobacco products or drinking too much alcohol.

What types of ailments does chronic disease management address?

At Northside Primary Care, Inc, Dr. Syed treats a variety of chronic diseases, including:

Hypertension

Hypertension usually has no symptoms, and consequently, it’s referred to as “the silent killer”. Dr. Syed checks your blood pressure each time you visit. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89 mmHg, you have prehypertension; between 140/90 and 159/99 mmHg, you have stage 1 hypertension; and over 160/100 mmHg, you have severe hypertension.

If you commit to lifestyle changes like a low salt diet and more exercise, prehypertension can often be managed without medication. Dr. Syed can also prescribe the right medication for you and arrange regular monitoring to ensure your blood pressure stays as well controlled as possible.

Proper treatment of hypertension helps lower the risk of other chronic diseases.

Heart disease

Heart, or cardiovascular, disease is the most common chronic disease in the United States. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, you’re also more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke. To manage your condition, your Northside Primary Care, Inc provider might recommend lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, in coordination with prescription medications, to keep your numbers in check.

Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, a rheumatic illness that affects your joints and causes inflammation. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and certain prescription medications can ease pain and stiffness and improve your overall mobility.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease defined by high blood sugar levels. If you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Syed might recommend dietary changes, weight-loss counseling, and regular exercise to prevent your symptoms from getting worse. However, if you have Type 1 diabetes, prescription medication, including insulin therapy, is necessary to prevent nerve damage and other problems.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes three different respiratory ailments, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. Dr. Syed can develop a treatment plan that helps you breathe more clearly, which might include inhalers or oral steroids to ease your symptoms.

If you’re living with a chronic disease, don’t wait to seek treatment. To request your chronic disease management appointment, call Northside Primary Care, Inc, or request an appointment online today.