Asthma Program
The goal of the Neighborhood Asthma Program is to enable members with persistent asthma to live normal, healthy lives, confident in their ability to manage asthma.  We work with members and their doctors to achieve this goal by encouraging:

• Use of anti-inflammatory controller medications
• Use of written asthma action plans
• Regular (at least two times a year) doctor visits for asthma management.

The program is designed for members age two and older who are identified with persistent asthma using any of the following claims-based criteria for a given 12 month period:

• Picked up four asthma medications 
• Had at least one hospitalization with a primary diagnosis of asthma
• Had at least one ER visit with a primary diagnosis of asthma
• Had at least four outpatient visits with a diagnosis of asthma and picked up at least two asthma medications.

What providers receive

• The Neighborhood Asthma Care Manager is available to support the primary clinician's work to provide proactive, evidence-based asthma care.  To refer a patient for care management, call Katie King, RN at 401-459-6132.
• Clinical Practice Guideline – Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
• NAEPP Recommendations for Quality Asthma Care
• Asthma Action Plan form – the NAEPP recommends giving patients a written asthma management plan
• Neighborhood Asthma/Allergy Specialists
• Patient symptom survey to assist in assessing asthma severity at every visit
• Asthma Maintenance Form flowsheet for asthma management visits

Results

• The past three years have seen a 50% reduction in hospitalizations for asthma
• In 2003, 69% of members with persistent asthma were taking a controller medication
• In 2004, 64% of surveyed members with persistent asthma had a written Asthma Action Plan.

Contact Nancy Harrison, Manager-Clinical Programs at 1-401-459-6127, for more information about the Neighborhood Asthma Program