Ochsner Connected Health

Since the onset of COVID-19, it seems that everyone has been getting into the game of digital health solutions. However, the hard truth is that most of these digital health companies provide little to no clinical outcomes. What makes Ochsner Digital Medicine different from the sea of startups?? Founded by an 80+-year-old health system that seeks to deliver better health while maintaining economic viability, Ochsner Digital Medicine is not created purely for financial gain. “Instead, we’re trying to find solutions that help us remain economically viable while improving health outcomes,” says Kenny Cole, MD, medical director for Digital Medicine. “Ultimately, that's the mission of a health system: better health outcomes tied to better financial outcomes.” Watch Dr. Cole share these ideas with Digital Medicine CEO Dan Shields: https://lnkd.in/eDCJCMNc.

With today’s medical innovations, employers have a unique opportunity to offer digital healthcare tools that make a real difference. Imagine your employees being able to monitor their health from home while clinicians track their progress remotely. This is the power of remote patient management (RPM) with Ochsner Digital Medicine. By embracing RPM, you can help your team stay healthier, reduce unnecessary clinic visits and lower healthcare costs—all while providing personalized, clinical support for conditions like high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Learn how RPM is transforming healthcare and how it can enhance your employee benefits package: "5 Good Reasons Employers and Health Plans Should Embrace Remote Patient Management." ?https://lnkd.in/eTNUPZ57

November is National Diabetes Month, and the Ochsner Digital Medicine program is creating a special emphasis on the prevention of diabetes-related health problems. About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, with Type 2 being the most common type. Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes makes it harder for the body to fight infections and can lead to other health concerns such as heart disease and kidney damage. To prevent the most damaging effects of the disease, individuals must feel empowered to take control of their diagnosis and get support on their health journey. ? The Ochsner Digital Medicine program provides one-on-one clinical support and easy-to-use digital devices to help members manage Type 2 diabetes from anywhere. Our dedicated remote care team ensures that members remain engaged and encouraged as they take the necessary steps toward achieving their health goals. ? National Diabetes Month is the perfect time to consider adding a comprehensive cardiometabolic condition management program to your benefits package. By doing so, you can effectively address diabetes while supporting your populations' needs across the cardiometabolic spectrum, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and weight management. Prioritizing member health isn't just a perk; it's a smart investment for everyone. ? Learn how we can partner with you: https://lnkd.in/eC_m-xFP

Did you know that people with Type 2 diabetes are more than two times more likely to develop heart disease? Today, November 9, is National Diabetes Heart Connection Day, an important reminder that Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health are connected. ?? ?? By taking healthy lifestyle steps, like eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and monitoring your blood sugar, individuals can take control of their condition and help lower their risk of developing heart disease. Ochsner Digital Medicine supports thousands of program participants with medication management, health coaching and lifestyle support to get their health back on track!?

“The reality is success is possible... It’s not just about hypertension, diabetes, and weight management separately – it’s about getting them all in control together. The result of doing so is good outcomes and improvement, which is the most important thing for us.” Ochsner Digital Medicine Medical Director and System Vice President of Clinical Improvement Kenny Cole, MD, MS, spoke on a panel of healthcare organization leaders at the Texas Association of Health Plans 2024 Texas Covered Health Care Conference + Expo. The panel, “Virtual Care Revolution: Expanding Access and Enhancing Outcomes,” explored innovative technologies that support population health programs and how these technologies can help move the needle on value-based care goals. ? By leveraging the power of Ochsner Digital Medicine, we integrate technology and evidence-based care to holistically manage cardiometabolic health, driving meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes and lowering the total cost of care.

Managing cardiometabolic conditions is complex, but high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity have been well-known and researched for decades. So why is there?such a rise in healthcare point solutions now? Dan Shields, CEO of Digital Medicine, addressed this in the webinar “Hype vs Value: Can Condition Management Solutions Finally Deliver Value to Employers & Health Plans?” His guest, Eric Bricker, MD, theorized the rise is due to the medical field’s overemphasis on subspecialties. Dr. Bricker, the medical director of Coupe Health, argued that while specialization is essential, too much can lead to fragmented care.? Employers should seek digital health programs that balance specialization with whole-person care, offering a more integrated approach. Ochsner Digital Medicine does this using a coordinated, clinical approach that improves outcomes for both members and organizations. “It’s like Goldilocks—you can’t be too specialized, but you also can’t be too general,” said Dr. Bricker. “I think Ochsner is successful because they strike that balance.”? Watch the short conversation here: "Finding Balance with Condition Management Solutions." https://lnkd.in/e35YciYv

Participants at the Texas Association of Health Plans 2024 Texas Covered Health Care Conference + Expo can visit Booth #80 to learn more about the Ochsner Digital Medicine program! Ochsner Digital Medicine Medical Director and System Vice President of Clinical Improvement Kenny Cole, MD, MS, will speak on the conference panel, “Virtual Care Revolution: Expanding Access and Enhancing Outcomes.” Dr. Cole will discuss what makes the Digital Medicine program successful and how we are improving outcomes by utilizing technology and strategic partnerships.

Ochsner Digital Medicine CEO Dan Shields will speak at the Xtelligent Healthcare Payer + Provider 2024 virtual summit on November 13, joining a dynamic panel of healthcare leaders discussing what technologies are pivotal for population health management today. The panel, “Population Health Tech Strategies to Advance Value-Based Care,” will discuss innovative technologies that support population health programs and how these technologies can be integrated into care delivery to move the needle on value-based care goals. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/exudHhg9

We are proud to have several members of our Connected Health team take part in the inaugural Healthy State Summit today in Baton Rouge! Rebecca Arriaga, Dr. Kenny Cole, Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS and Dr. Jason Hill led an informative and encouraging breakout session, “Emerging Technologies that Narrow Health Equity Gaps.” Learn more about the summit: https://lnkd.in/dxigMApH In 2020, Ochsner Health launched a bold initiative to make Louisiana a healthier state by 2030. We're tackling the top drivers of poor health using data and technology to improve outcomes for the cardiometabolic conditions that negatively affect our underserved communities. Ochsner Digital Medicine is a key part of this effort, offering innovative care for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and weight management to improve population health both locally and across the nation.

In recent years, employers have increasingly recognized the critical importance of mental well-being as part of overall good physical health. Studies continue to demonstrate that stress significantly impacts heart health, affecting your workforce's overall well-being. In fact, recent studies indicate a 20% increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to stress, emphasizing the urgency for targeted interventions, especially for those of a younger age: https://lnkd.in/dVS3tFRb Ochsner Digital Medicine’s comprehensive program can help with overall cardiometabolic health. Our innovative digital solution is supported by an expert care team from an 80-year academic institution, and we can offer this clinically proven program tailored to your employees’ needs. Invest in a healthier, more resilient workforce today. Discover how we can partner with you: https://lnkd.in/ePcTbRrC