Asthma/COPD for Clinicians: A Payer's Perspective

Course overview

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both a type of chronic lower respiratory disease, which is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). This also means that chronic lower respiratory diseases are among the costliest diseases to manage and treat. While asthma and COPD are among the leading increases in healthcare costs, steps can be taken to help make their healthcare more cost effective. Although this course links asthma and COPD, the COPD discussion is targeted at earlier stage recognition and treatment with the hope of minimizing the progression of the disease. If COPD progresses, additional medications, delivery systems, and concentrated oxygen may need to be added. That is beyond the scope of this discussion.