Half of all American adults are living with at least one chronic (ongoing) condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Unfortunately, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have some of the country’s highest rates of chronic conditions, as well as the highest rates of cardiovascular death.

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that health disparities, or differences in the quality of healthcare across racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups, plague our nation. Access to care is a main contributor to healthcare gaps. Using digital health alongside the traditional healthcare system can help to ease these inequalities. According to WHO, digital health “can help make health systems more efficient and sustainable, enabling the delivery of quality, affordable and equitable care.” Offering more digital services allows access to care to those without reliable transportation or to those who live in a rural area that lacks a specialist for their health needs.

Eligible members can take control of their high blood pressure and/or Type 2 diabetes by enrolling in Ochsner Digital Medicine. With this program, patients enjoy user-friendly digital devices to take and submit readings to their Digital Medicine care team for review. The care team consists of a licensed clinician and professional health coach; each member has a dedicated team. The care team uses these readings to provide medication management and personalized lifestyle recommendations. As interactions with the care team are completed entirely over the phone or through MyOchsner messaging, Digital Medicine members actively participate in their personalized care, all from the comfort of their own homes.

How is Digital Medicine different from traditional clinic visits?

• Detailed reports: The member’s dedicated care team and primary physician can see how the member’s readings are trending week to week. A monthly progress report is sent directly to the member, so they can monitor their growth.
• Real-time alerts: Data is received in real time. The member’s care team is notified if the readings look problematic, so they can address this with the member promptly.
• Personalized treatment plans: The member’s care team consists of a licensed clinician and a professional health coach. This team can adjust medications, as needed, and create new lifestyle goals to help members live a healthier life. Relationships are built to help members get their condition under control.

If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, enrolling in the Digital Medicine program is a simple process.

1. Visit the Digital Medicine sign-up portal to get started.
2. Sign your Digital Medicine consent questionnaire (If a virtual visit is needed, you will receive the consent questionnaire once you’ve completed the visit and the provider has confirmed your clinical eligibility).
3. Obtain your digital device (a blood pressure cuff or a glucometer) by delivery or pick-up. Then, take your first reading.
4. Complete your welcome call with the Digital Medicine team to finish your enrollment.

By combining innovative tools with personalized care, Digital Medicine is changing the lives of enrolled members living with chronic conditions. Increasing access to care, especially for those with health disparities, is crucial in our effort to reduce the progression of chronic diseases.

Continued Innovation In a single year, more than 5.2 million people visited U.S. hospital emergency rooms for symptoms related to the nervous system.

The Digital Medicine program has launched a new app for Digital Medicine members to connect their smart devices to their blood pressure cuff or glucometer. This app links with the MyOchsner app, making it even easier to submit readings to their care team. It will also have features like choosing when to receive reading reminders, in-app reading guidance and guided setup instructions and videos.