Percentage of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Multiple Complications Rises
Complete Report Available Online
DENVER, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Colorado Business Group on Health
(CBGH) announced today the release of its fourth annual report on the
prevalence, cost and quality of care for Type 2 diabetes patients in
Colorado's largest markets. This report also provides state and national
benchmarks that can help providers and employers identify better
opportunities to serve the needs of their patients and employees.
"This publication is a necessary resource for the communities of
Colorado," says CBGH Executive Director Donna Marshall. "It helps define
the current landscape and sets the agenda for making progress in combating
the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes." New to this year's publication is the
addition of comparison data between diabetes statistics in Denver and
similar markets across the nation including Boston, Seattle, Dallas and
Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Colorado charges are generally lower than national
Compared to the national average, charges for patients are generally
lower in Colorado for inpatient, outpatient and emergency department
visits. Denver had lower average charges than Seattle, Dallas, and
Minneapolis for emergency and outpatient claims. Within Colorado, Pueblo
charges are higher than other metropolitan areas for patients who have
Medicaid, Medicare or commercial insurance.
Percentage of Type 2 patients with multiple complications rises
Between 2006 and 2007, the share of Type 2 diabetes patients with more
than two diagnosed complications from the disease grew in five of the six
Colorado markets evaluated (Colorado Springs being the lone exception). The
2007 Colorado average rose slightly to 3.3%, far outpacing the national
average of only 2% in 2006. "The number of patients with multiple
complications, such as heart, kidney or eye problems is alarming," said
Gena Trujillo, Director of Benefits Administration at the University of
Colorado. "These complications translate into greater disability and
medical costs as well as increased absenteeism. We are working proactively
with Colorado physicians to improve the management of patients with
diabetes."
Denver patients likely to get appropriate tests
The Denver market outperformed national statistics in the areas of
appropriate testing for patients with diabetes in 2007. Patients in Denver
are more likely to have their test for Hemoglobin A1c (a test that shows
how the average blood sugar has been over the past three months), an eye
exam (to prevent or defer possible blindness) or a urine test to detect
early kidney damage. However, Denver ranked below both Seattle and
Minneapolis/St. Paul in all three tests.
About the Colorado Business Group on Health
The Colorado Business Group on Health is a not-for-profit coalition of
employers seeking affordable, quality health solutions on behalf of its
Colorado employer members. The CBGH develops and implements projects on a
community and state-wide basis.
About the Colorado Type 2 Diabetes Report for 2008
The Colorado Type 2 Diabetes Report for 2008 helps CBGH fulfill its
mission of helping local employers play an active and enthusiastic role in
promoting cost-effective delivery of quality health care to the benefit of
the community. The report was produced with assistance from sanofi-aventis.
The complete report is available in electronic format on the CBGH website
at http://www.coloradoHEALTHonline.org and may be downloaded free of charge.
Contact: Donna Marshall
Tel: (303)922-0939
Fax: (303)922-0938
Email: Donna.Marshall@cbghealth.org
SOURCE Colorado Business Group on Health (CBGH)
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Related links:
http://www.coloradoHEALTHonline.org
CONTACT:
Donna Marshall, CBGH, +1-303-922-0939, or Fax
+1-303-922-0938, Donna.Marshall@cbghealth.org
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