Chronic diseases are placing a growing burden on the health care system in the United States. As a result, provider organizations are seeking new strategies for effectively managing individuals and populations with one or more chronic diseases. One such strategy is to implement computerized disease registries, systems that capture and track key patient information to assist care team members in proactively managing patients with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes. To inform decision-making around choosing a disease registry product, the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) today released its latest iHealth Report, Chronic Disease Registries: A Product Review.

According to Sophia Chang, M.D., M.P.H., director of CHCF’s Chronic Disease Program, “By tracking key patient information, a disease registry helps physicians and other members of their team provide the right care at the right time. It is an important tool in better preparing for visits and assuring follow-up.”

The report, prepared for CHCF by NAS Consulting Services, helps physicians, medical groups, and other organizations considering the purchase or adoption of an electronic registry application. It provides an overview of stand-alone electronic registry products that are publicly and commercially available and describes 16 of those products in detail. Important decision criteria are outlined to help providers choose the most appropriate product. The report helps them narrow their choices and identify the best options by offering details on functionality strengths, weaknesses, and cost.

For background information on disease registries, see CHCF’s recently published Using Computerized Registries in Chronic Disease Care. The report provides an overview of the function and use of computerized disease registries and outlines issues for consideration in obtaining registry software and integrating registry products into the routine work of the physician practice.