CMS should test behavior-informed approaches to chronic care

Managing chronic conditions requires more than clinical appointments and treatment recommendations. Sustained improvements often depend on the daily behaviors that influence health, making ongoing patient engagement an important part of effective chronic care management.

In a recent Managed Healthcare Executive commentary, Michael S. Barr, M.D., MBA, from GoMo Health, explores why the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should test care models that incorporate behavioral science. These approaches can include personalized messaging, positive reinforcement, timely reminders, caregiver involvement, and individualized guidance to help patients build healthier habits and follow treatment plans.

The article highlights an example of a behavioral support program for patients with congestive heart failure that combined text-based engagement, symptom monitoring, and personalized guidance. The program reported improvements in medication adherence and reductions in hospital readmissions, illustrating the potential value of support that extends beyond traditional clinical encounters.

For health plans, healthcare providers, and organizations focused on improving outcomes and managing costs, the commentary raises important questions about how payment and delivery models can better support sustained behavior change. Testing behavior-informed approaches through CMS innovation models could help identify opportunities to improve chronic disease management while strengthening the connection between patient engagement, clinical outcomes, and healthcare spending.

Check out the full commentary to explore why behavior-informed care deserves greater consideration in the future of chronic disease management.

Read the article published on Managed Healthcare Executive: https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/cms-should-test-behavior-informed-approaches-to-chronic-care