Patient self-management skills affect clinical outcomes, and are important in delaying and preventing exacerbations and complications of chronic disease. HNE's Disease Management (DM) programs provide members with education and support to help improve their self-management skills so they can successfully manage their health condition day-to-day. Through our DM programs, Disease Management Nurses partner with physicians in support of the plan of care.

Certified Diabetes Educator
Virginia Wright (R.N., B.S.N., CDE) joined HNE recently as the Disease Management Nurse for diabetes. Virginia provides education and support for members in our Diabetes Management Program in the “high-risk” category. The Program defines high-risk diabetic members as those with an A1C level equal to or greater than 9.0%. Via regular telephone contact, Virginia develops individual patient-centered goals, and provides ongoing feedback and problem-solving assistance. She helps the member to identify and work through barriers to adhering to the physician’s plan of care. She provides helpful tips for improving daily blood glucose levels, adherence to daily blood glucose monitoring and medication schedules, and meal planning and carbohydrate counting. Her interaction with members encourages them to be actively involved in their care and treatment.

Certified Asthma Educator
Alres J. Dinnall (R.N., M.Ed., AE-C) is the Disease Management Team Leader.  Alres provides education and support for members in our Asthma Management Program in the “high-risk” category. The Program defines high-risk asthmatic members as those with three or more Emergency Department visits or one or more hospitalization for asthma in a twelve-month period. Via regular telephone contact, Alres develops individual patient-centered goals, and provides ongoing feedback and problem-solving assistance. Asthma severity is determined using the NHLBI Stepwise Approach to Managing Asthma. She helps the member to identify asthma triggers, learn how to avoid and control triggers, and assesses appropriate use of medication – controller versus rescue. The member is empowered to take an active role in asthma management.

How Can We Help?

Diabetes
If you have a patient with diabetes whose A1C level is 9.0% or higher, call Virginia Wright at 800-842-4464, ext. 3451. 

Asthma
If you have a patient who has been hospitalized for asthma in the past year or has utilized emergency department services for asthma treatment more than two times in a year, call Alres Dinnall at 800-842-4464, ext. 3553.