Lab data as the missing link for more effective chronic disease management; a value-based care approach

Chronic diseases are rapidly increasing in the United States, placing a growing burden on healthcare providers, patients and payers participating in value-based care models. Managing these conditions effectively requires proactive care and a strategic approach to data-driven decision-making.

These illnesses not only diminish patients' quality of life, but they also contribute to escalating healthcare costs.

Value-based care organizations must prioritize these and other chronic conditions taking into account their patient populations. Successfully managing these conditions requires proactive, data-driven strategies that support targeted interventions, lifestyle modifications and preventive measures. 

Access to actionable data is the foundation of this approach, helping organizations improve health outcomes while reducing costs.

Data-driven patient identification for value-based care success

Identifying high- and rising-risk patients is critical in value-based care, and lab data also plays a central role in this process. By integrating diverse data sources, organizations can create a more complete patient risk profile:

The role lab data plays in chronic disease management

Lab data plays a crucial role in this transformation, helping organizations identify at-risk patients earlier, monitor disease progression and implement targeted interventions. Many organizations have clinical resources and programs, but real success comes from knowing when and where to deploy them. 

By integrating lab insights with other data sources, value-based care organizations can make sure their investment in care management and clinical innovation results in improved health and value-based care performance.

The growing challenge of chronic disease in value-based care

Since 1995, the number of Americans with at least one chronic disease has grown from 118 million to 129 million, with projections reaching 171 million by 2050. This increase places a significant burden on healthcare systems and increases the urgency for data-driven management strategies. 

Among the most prevalent and costly conditions are diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease.

Lab data is particularly valuable because it provides objective, real-time insights into a patient’s health and often includes information that’s missing in claims data.

For value-based care organizations operating across multiple EMRs or without the infrastructure to fully integrate their data warehouse with disparate EMR systems, access to comprehensive clinical data can be limited. In these cases, Labcorp can serve as a single point of integration offering a streamlined alternative to costly and often unsuccessful multi-EMR integrations and helping fill critical gaps in lab values and clinical insight.

Labcorp Insight Analytics™ overlays lab data with geographic health trends, quality metrics and demographic information to help organizations pinpoint at-risk populations and develop targeted intervention strategies.

Turning data into action: Targeted interventions for better outcomes

Once high-risk patients are identified, data-driven interventions drive timely, personalized care. Lab data helps healthcare organizations proactively engage patients, improve treatment adherence and close care gaps, creating opportunities for:

1. Proactive patient outreach and care team allocation
Using lab data helps identify at-risk patients before complications arise. Enhanced clinical insights also power better allocation of specific clinical or administrative teams. 

Identifying patients before complications occur allows teams the opportunity for early engagement through email and text messages to remind patients to complete recommended screenings and follow-up appointments.

2. Personalized care plans
Lab data allows you to create tailored interventions based on lab results, patient history and social determinants of health. A data-driven approach allows care teams to:

• Adjust medication and treatment plans based on trending lab values
• Recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
• Connect patients with care coordinators and support programs

3. Improved treatment adherence
Medication adherence and lifestyle changes are essential for managing chronic conditions, yet many patients struggle with compliance. Lab data enables ACOs to:

• Monitor patient progress (e.g., track HbA1c levels for diabetes management)
• Prioritize outreach to patients with changing lab values
• Help provide timely follow-ups for medication adjustments

A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) study found that ACOs improving chronic disease management received $3.1 billion in performance payments in 2023, illustrating how early intervention leads to better health outcomes and financial success.

Labcorp: Empowering value-based care with data

Labcorp helps healthcare organizations excel in value-based care by providing access to a vast repository of clinical data. Leveraging insights derived from billions of lab results, we facilitate the identification of at-risk patient populations and support the development of targeted care management strategies.

By providing a comprehensive view of patient health, Labcorp enables organizations to:

• Gain actionable insight through a single data integration: Simplify connectivity across disparate systems with a national patient results feed that delivers lab data for all attributed patients—regardless of where they receive care
• Proactively identify vulnerable populations: Gain a clear understanding of patient risk profiles to prioritize interventions and improve outcomes
• Optimize care coordination: Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among care teams so patients receive timely and appropriate care
• Enhance chronic disease management: Drive effective strategies for managing chronic conditions, leading to improved patient well-being and reduced healthcare costs
• Increase access through home collection options: Expand access to necessary screenings, improving participation in preventive care, with Labcorp’s national footprint and home collection capabilities