July 10 has been designated as Chronic Disease Awareness Day. Chronic diseases, the CDC notes, are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, arthritis and hypertension are all examples of chronic diseases. It is important to spread awareness of these conditions because they are among the leading causes
of death and disability worldwide, yet many are preventable or manageable with early action.
More than 90% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition
The leading causes of death in the U.S. are heart disease and stroke
In the U.S., 1.9 million people annually are diagnosed with cancer
Diagnosed diabetes cases cost an estimated $640 billion in medical costs and lost productivity in 2022
1 in 9 adults aged 65 and older are affected by Alzheimer’s disease
Physical inactivity, alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking are risk factors that contribute to many of these chronic diseases
Medical practices are the frontline for prevention, early detection, and long-term management of chronic diseases. Building awareness within this setting improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
How Healthcare Providers can help:
Educate patients – Make awareness a routine part of every visit
Normalize early detection. Use evidence-based screening protocols to test for factors linked to chronic illnesses. Use alerts built into the electronic health record system (EHR) to prompt screenings
Use a team-based care approach for monitoring, screening, follow-up and medication adherence.
Chronic care management - Utilize registries to track patients and identify those who are due for care. Conduct patient outreach.
Track quality metrics related to chronic illness. For those values that are lower than desired, conduct PDSA or improvement activities to improve outcomes.
Support lifestyle changes and address any health equity needs that may be barriers to treatment
Use technology (remote patient monitoring) to reinforce awareness
Smoking is a contributing factor in many chronic diseases like cancer, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and stroke. According to the CDC, more than 16 million Americans are currently living with a disease caused by smoking. As such, providers and practices can work with patients to mitigate or prevent risks associated with chronic diseases for better outcomes and to increase quality of life.
The measure: Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention
looks at patients age 12+ who, during the measurement period, have been screened for tobacco use one or more times. The measure notes that the patient should have received tobacco cessation intervention during the measurement period, or in the six (6) months prior to the measurement period if they are identified as a tobacco user. Both the screening and cessation criteria are required to meet the measure.
SUN Bucks is a USDA program that provides up to $120 in grocery benefits to feed eligible children in the summer months. This program is income-based and many children in North Carolina automatically qualify for benefits. NC DHHS
has a wealth of information about the program, eligibility guidelines, rollout of benefits, what can be purchased, the application process and more. Applications for the program are open until August 15, 2026.
Remind patients to be on the lookout for SUN Bucks cards if they are eligible
Incentives for Closing Care Gaps
The AmeriHealth Gaps in Care for Primary Care Physicians program starts on July 1, 2026. Providers in this value-based program may be eligible to receive an incentive of $250 per gap closure. This incentive will be provided once a year and applies to each member signed to the practice that meets specific quality measure criteria. For more information on the measures, incentives and reporting periods, visit the AmeriHealth link here.
Regulatory Reminder: Bloodborne Pathogens
Occasional exposures to bloodborne pathogens are likely in medical practices. Practices should have exposure plans as well as measures and protocols to reduce the likelihood of these hazards. OSHA has a wealth of resources available to assist practices in this effort. Some of these tools include:
How healthcare staff can recognize hazards related to bloodborne pathogens.
The CDC also has information about the risks associated with exposures such as sharps injuries. They have guidance on how to handle exposures, the types of infections and how to properly report those exposures. Through standard precautions, proper procedures, treatment and reporting, practices can make great strides towards mitigating risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
AHEC Class Spotlight
Conflict Management:
Essential Skills for Emerging Leaders
“This dynamic workshop is designed for emerging healthcare leaders seeking to strengthen their conflict management skills. Participants will explore the root causes and impacts of conflict in professional settings, learn to recognize and adapt their conflict management styles, and develop practical strategies to resolve disputes constructively. The course emphasizes communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership versatility to foster healthier team dynamics and collaborative problem-solving.” This session is a live webinar to be held on August 4, 2026, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Visit here for registration and additional information.
