Structure of the System

Here is a rundown of some of the specifics of the CHF Tel-Assurance patient support program:

-At any time, there are 350 patients participating in the program.

-There are about 100,000 recorded patient days of information.

-Information about symptoms and status can be saved in a data warehouse and studied for trends.

-The system is offered by Disease Management Systems in Northfield, IL, but client health systems use it from California, New Jersey, Kansas, and Missouri. It uses a national call center/800-number format.

-The service costs a health system about $60 per patient, per month.

-Tel-Assurance is contracted through health care systems, such as independent practice associations and hospitals, as well as through payers and drug companies conducting clinical trials.

-The service does not qualify for funding through the Health Care Financing Administration.