Great-West Epands Disease Management Programs

A company that runs health plans for large, self-insured employers is adding programs for members who suffer from chronic pain and severe kidney disease.[@@]

The company, Great-West Healthcare, Greenwood Village, Colo., says its new pain management program will offer counseling about dealing with chronic pain and help with handling conditions such as depression that often accompany chronic pain.

The kidney program, which will serve patients with “end stage renal disease,” will provide nurse counselors who will help members with medications and special diets and provide information for members with multiple conditions, such as a combination of end stage renal disease and diabetes, according to Great-West.