Chronic conditions present ongoing challenges for patients and healthcare providers alike. This article offers practical strategies for managing these complex health issues, drawing on insights from experienced healthcare professionals. From addressing root causes to building consistent care teams, these expert-backed approaches aim to improve the quality of life for those living with chronic conditions.

  • Address Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
  • Implement the Small Wins Approach
  • Utilize Direct Contracting for Specialty Medications
  • Coordinate Care and Educate Patients Proactively
  • Employ Visual Process Cues in Clinics
  • Assemble a Diverse Expert Team
  • Build a Consistent Long-Term Care Team

Address Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms

One strategy I’ve found highly effective for managing chronic health conditions within the healthcare system is shifting from a symptom-suppression model to a root-cause approach—using functional lab testing, lifestyle intervention, and personalized care plans to address the real drivers behind chronic illness. Conditions like Type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune issues don’t just “happen”—they develop over time due to imbalances in blood sugar, inflammation, gut health, stress response, and nutrient deficiencies.

By taking the time to investigate these underlying causes with tools like comprehensive blood panels, hormone testing, and gut analysis, we can create treatment strategies that don’t just manage disease—they reverse it.

My advice: don’t rely solely on symptom management or medication as your long-term plan. Patients need to be empowered to become active participants in their own care. That means educating them, supporting behavior change, and helping them build daily habits around real food, quality sleep, stress management, and targeted supplementation.

In today’s healthcare system—where time with patients is limited and chronic conditions are often “managed” instead of healed—this root-cause approach isn’t just more effective, it’s necessary. Long-term health is not found in the quick fix; it’s built through clarity, data, and consistent, guided action.

Dr. Jonathan SpagesDr. Jonathan Spages
Doctor, Author, Advanced Natural Health Center

Implement the Small Wins Approach

One strategy I’ve found effective for managing chronic conditions is what I call the “Small Wins Approach.” Instead of overwhelming patients with big lifestyle changes, we break things down into tiny, achievable steps, like swapping one sugary drink for water or taking a 5-minute walk daily. Research also shows that patients who set small, specific goals were 63% more likely to stick to their treatment plans long-term. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Celebrating these little victories keeps motivation high and makes the journey feel less daunting.

My advice? Be your own health detective. Track symptoms, medications, or even moods in a simple notebook or app. Patterns often reveal what’s working (or not). And don’t shy away from asking your healthcare provider why a treatment is recommended. Understanding the “why” builds trust and makes it easier to stay committed. Remember, you’re the CEO of your health; we’re just here to provide the roadmap. Sometimes the smallest shifts lead to the biggest wins!

Umayr AzimiUmayr Azimi
Medical Director, MI Express Care

Utilize Direct Contracting for Specialty Medications

One of the most effective strategies we’ve used to manage chronic conditions—and significantly reduce costs for both employers and employees—is direct contracting for high-cost injectable and specialty medications.

Traditional insurance models often funnel these medications through carrier-owned PBMs and preferred provider networks, where opaque pricing, inflated markups, and rebates hidden from plan sponsors result in exorbitant costs. This structure doesn’t just strain the plan—it also drives up members’ out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes forcing them to choose between affording their medication and other basic needs.

Direct contracting changes that. By partnering with transparent, independent vendors—whether it’s a specialty pharmacy, a direct-to-manufacturer sourcing partner, or even an infusion center—we’ve helped employers bypass the markup and take control. In one recent case, we coordinated a direct purchase of a specialty injectable that was originally billed at over $13,000 per dose. Through direct contracting, the plan acquired it for less than $2,000—a savings of over $11,000 per treatment. The member saved $9,000 in out-of-pocket costs and avoided unnecessary delays in care.

This strategy is especially powerful for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, where medications are essential and ongoing. It also improves adherence and outcomes by removing cost-related barriers and giving members access to trusted clinical support teams.

My advice to plan sponsors and HR leaders? Stop accepting the status quo. Just because your insurer says it’s the “best deal” doesn’t mean it is. Look under the hood. Ask for claims-level data. Understand the true cost of your medications—and then explore alternatives.

Direct contracting isn’t just a way to save money—it’s a way to do right by your people. And when you help employees manage chronic conditions affordably and effectively, everyone wins: employees get better care, the business lowers risk, and the health plan becomes a strategic advantage instead of a financial burden.

Louis BernardiLouis Bernardi
Founder | “The Benefits Whisperer,” BritePath

Coordinate Care and Educate Patients Proactively

Navigating the healthcare system with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming. From scheduling appointments to understanding treatment plans and coordinating care among specialists, the process requires persistence, planning, and support. One strategy we’ve found highly effective for managing chronic health conditions is proactive care coordination combined with patient education.

Why Proactive Care Coordination Matters

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or heart disease often involve multiple healthcare providers, medications, and lifestyle changes. When care isn’t coordinated, patients may experience duplicated tests, medication conflicts, or missed interventions. Proactive care coordination ensures that every provider is aligned with a patient’s goals and history, and that the patient remains at the center of the care plan.

This approach includes:

  • Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust treatments
  • Timely referrals to specialists when needed
  • Centralized access to lab results, imaging, and prescriptions
  • Clear communication between primary care, specialists, and the patient

Patient Education Empowers Better Outcomes

Another vital component is patient education. When patients understand their condition, they’re more likely to follow treatment plans, recognize warning signs early, and make informed decisions. We focus on:

  • Explaining test results and treatment options in simple language
  • Offering written or digital resources tailored to the patient’s condition
  • Encouraging questions and active participation in care decisions

Advice from Experience

Based on our work with patients managing chronic illnesses, here are a few practical tips:

  • Keep a health journal to track symptoms, medications, and appointments
  • Designate a care advocate, a trusted family member or friend, to attend appointments or help coordinate care
  • Use a patient portal to stay connected with providers and access records quickly
  • Don’t wait, address new symptoms early to prevent complications

Final Thoughts

Managing chronic conditions takes more than prescriptions; it takes partnership. At our practice, we believe in working with patients, not just on them. With coordinated care and ongoing support, living well with a chronic condition is not just possible, it’s achievable.

Ishminder SinghIshminder Singh
President and CEO, Elite Primary Physicians, Inc.

Employ Visual Process Cues in Clinics

Partnering with smaller clinics taught me something vital: they rely more on process than on expensive infrastructure. One clinic used checklist boards to track chronic cases visually. That low-tech tool reduced missed steps and duplicated effort. Simplicity worked because everyone followed the same system. Even part-time staff could stay updated instantly.

Advice: Don’t overlook the power of visible process cues. Chronic conditions require continuity that’s easy to disrupt. Sometimes, whiteboards beat digital dashboards in practical ways. Standardization doesn’t mean complex; it means usable across all skill levels. Keep processes in plain sight and constantly reinforced. That’s where consistency starts to take root.

Ivan RodimushkinIvan Rodimushkin
Founder, CEO, XS Supply

Assemble a Diverse Expert Team

One thing I’ve found really helpful for managing chronic conditions, especially in cancer or complex surgeries, is working with a team of different experts. Patients often have other health problems, like diabetes or heart disease, that need to be managed too. When we bring everyone in early, including doctors, specialists, dietitians, and even mental health support, it helps ensure we’re all on the same page. I’ve seen how this team approach leads to better care and fewer problems. Research also shows that working together like this really helps improve patient outcomes and how the team works together.

My advice is to keep communicating and make sure the patient is involved in the decision-making process. Chronic conditions can change over time, so the treatment plan should be flexible. When we listen closely and adjust things as needed, patients feel more supported and are more likely to follow the plan. This leads to fewer hospital visits and a better quality of life.

Dr. Madhu PrasadDr. Madhu Prasad
Surgical Oncologist, Far North Surgery

Build a Consistent Long-Term Care Team

One strategy I’ve found effective is building a consistent care team around the patient—this includes therapists, primary care providers, psychiatrists, and sometimes even community support workers. Chronic mental health conditions need long-term support, and when everyone is on the same page, patients feel more supported and less lost in the system.

My advice: don’t work in isolation. As providers, we must communicate regularly and treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis. And for patients, I always say—you are allowed to ask for a team that listens, respects your voice, and works together. Consistency and connection are just as healing as any medication.

Dr. Carlos ToddDr. Carlos Todd
Mental Health Counselor, Mastering Anger