Key to Better HealthTM is an innovative demonstration project authorized by Medicare. It was launched in 2005 to test how providing additional care management services can improve quality of life and overall health care for a select set of Medicare beneficiaries.
In 2008, because of the program’s strong performance to date, Medicare granted a three-year extension of Key to Better Health. The program focuses primarily on beneficiaries with some decreased kidney function, and also helps address diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart failure.
The Key to Better Health team includes more than 20 Registered Nurses with years of experience addressing the needs of beneficiaries with chronic conditions. In addition, the team includes a clinical pharmacist who ensures patients receive the optimal medications, a dietitian who provides nutritional support, and two social workers who address additional patient needs.
Key to Better Health is provided by VillageHealth Disease ManagementSM (DM). VillageHealth DM is the largest renal disease management organization in the U.S., and has advanced care management programs in 22 states. It is the first renal disease management organization to achieve National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Disease Management accreditation.
