Disease Management allows the Company, through clinical pathways, to manage utilization for patients with chronic diseases. In the past few years, Amedisys has implemented wound care, cardiac, diabetes, rehabilitation and surgical recovery disease management programs to ensure quality patient care while controlling costs through a demonstrated plan of care. The Amedisys disease management programs focus on utilization of national clinical standards and patient education with a focus on self care management skills.

Amedisys has combined and integrated its expert clinical and support services with some of the most respected and recognized leaders in the wound management industry - ConvaTec, Hill-Rom Novartis Medical Nutrition, and KCI. Utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach led by the physician, the Partners in Wound Care program provides treatment in a setting most preferred by patients - at home. Standardized wound management protocols based on best practice guidelines promote consistency in practices and outcomes, which are collected for monitoring and benchmarking. Home care professionals use PC software and digital imagery for e-mail transmission to referral sources so that they may monitor their patient's wound as it heals.

Amedisys' cardiac disease management program enables us to deliver the most appropriate quality care for our patients while measuring outcomes and reducing patient need for urgent/emergent care. The program utilized standards of practice which are encompassed in our clinical tracks with a focus on patient self management of subtle/acute signs and symptoms. The primary cardiac diagnoses for the Heart at Home program are congestive heart failure, congestive heart failure with inotropic infusion, heart transplant, heart transplant with infusion, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, hypertension (acute/unstable) and cerebrovascular accident.

The Amedisys Diabetes disease management program has been developed based on the national standards set by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Patients and their families learn basic survival skills, as well as self-management techniques necessary to control diabetes and the acute and chronic complications associated with it. The Diabetes at Home program incorporates the components of structure, process and outcome as established by the ADA. Each of these elements contains several standards. There are presently 10 elements of education content required by the ADA that are in the Amedisys Diabetes Disease Management Program. The Amedisys self-management diabetes program was recently awarded "Recognition Status" by the American Diabetes Association for the Atlanta, College Park and Kennesaw, GA agencies. Programs that achieve Recognition Status have demonstrated excellence in diabetes patient education through implementation of a structured program and well trained educators providing information and education to patients and their families.

Amedisys' Rehab Therapy @ Home Program can help improve strength and mobility, balance, swallowing and communication disorders, and incontinence issues, with the goal of promoting the patient's independence. After an evaluation by a clinician, an individualized program is developed for each patient and administered where the patient feels most comfortable-at home. Our clinicians coordinate services for management of acute and chronic diseases including: CHF, COPD, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, CVA, Progressive Neurological Disorders, Dementia, and Incontinence.

Whether it's a broken hip or elective knee surgery, Amedisys knows that patients would rather have orthopedic rehabilitation in the comfort of their own homes. Our therapists are trained to provide treatment for hip and knee replacements, back injuries, arthritis, complex fractures, and other orthopedic problems. Amedisys' treatment protocols are based on the most progressive national standards which help support our patients returning to the highest level of independence as possible, once services are completed.

Amedisys' Wound Care - A Therapy Approach utilizes the latest concepts in wound healing to provide a holistic care plan for our patients. Physical Therapists are specialized in the use of advanced treatment modalities, pressure redistribution, and sharps debridement to heal wounds.

Amedisys has developed a Surgical Recovery program designed to give patients back their functional independence and provides maximum clinical outcomes. Our protocols allow patients to recover at home with the reassurance that their post-operative care needs are being met by highly professional and skilled nurses and therapists in accordance with their physician's orders and nationally recognized standards of care.

Amedisys’ Behavioral Health at Home program is designed to meet the home health needs of our psychiatric patients. The services provided in the program effectively provide transition from the hospital to the home with ease for the patient and family. The services also may facilitate adjunct therapy for existing patients with psychiatric needs. Our psychiatric nurses assess the home environment and provide coordination of care for the patient and family, along with the psychiatrist and/or primary care physician to make sure the needs of the patient are being managed effectively.

Our Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at Home program enables us to deliver the most appropriate quality of care for our patients while measuring outcomes and reducing emergent care/hospitalization rates. The program has been carefully designed to help improve the quality of life for patients living with COPD. Teaching self-management and early intervention skills are keys to improving the quality of life. Through the active involvement of the patient and caregiver in the management of their disease, the treatment plan will help prevent or delay complications for those living with COPD, and help the patient achieve the best possible outcome. Our program follows national standards of care in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the American Thoracic Society, American Lung Association and American Nurses Association Standards of Nursing Practice.

Amedisys' Stroke Recovery at Home Program enables us to deliver quality care for our patients who have recently suffered from stroke by educating them and their caregivers on all aspects of recovery including prevention of future strokes and the recognition of early warning signs. Stroke Recovery at Home is based upon national standards and evidence-based practice. Patients appropriate for our program include those who have a primary diagnosis of stroke or have a stroke-related disorder such as weakness, paralysis, or dysphagia. Our treatment plan promotes a healthy lifestyle, while reducing complications with the after effects of stroke.

The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) program focuses on identification and treatment of kidney disease. The program provides early assessment, intervention and education on risk factors associated with the development of CKD. By partnering with physicians and other health care providers, such as dieticians and renal clinics to help implement this program, we can ensure our patients receive superior care--while improving their quality of life and overall outcomes.

Many people with chronic pain try to endure it. But untreated, the physical and emotional effects of chronic pain can be devastating. Our pain management program is designed to improve the quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain. A comprehensive team approach that actively involves the patient and caregiver is implemented to develop a holistic treatment plan based on each patient's individual condition.