Are Wearables the Cure for Chronic Disease Management?

Dr. Richard Milani

Chronic diseases cause 70 percent of deaths in the U.S., and hypertension is one of the most pervasive chronic diseases. “A third of all adults in the U.S. have it,” says Dr. Richard Milani, Ochsner Health’s Chief Clinical Transformation Officer. “Only half of adults with high blood pressure have it under control. It’s a big problem.”

It’s an even bigger problem in Louisiana, where Ochsner is located; 40 percent of adults in the state have high blood pressure. Ochsner’s Hypertension Digital Medicine Program is testing wearables to see if they help patients adopt better habits. So when the Apple Watch came along in April, it was a natural fit. With funds from a grant, Ochsner is providing qualifying patients in the hypertension pilot with Apple Watches.

As hospitals enter value-based contracts, managing patients with chronic diseases will be key to managing risk. Will the Apple Watch transform chronic disease management? Read our latest article to get the an Inside Look at Ochsner Health’s Apple Watch Hypertension Pilot.

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