Chronic Care Specialist Q&A

Chronic disease care is the management of a chronic disease by a healthcare professional. They help patients with chronic diseases navigate the healthcare system, refer them to specialists, and suggest where to have lab testing performed. These professionals ensure the best health outcomes for their patients by providing ongoing care. Medical professionals who provide chronic disease care work very closely with their patients and have the opportunity to build relationships.

There are a multitude of chronic diseases, some of the most common of which include:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Oral Health
• Osteoporosis
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome

Acute care refers to the care of short-term conditions. When acute conditions receive treatment, they heal. An example of an acute injury is a broken bone. Once a broken bone is appropriately treated, the injury heals. Illnesses can be acute as well. Examples include the common cold or pink eye. After the illness receives treatment, symptoms subside, and the ailment is healed. Even though it is still possible to contract the illness again, it is a separate incident and is not related to the first.

Because it classifies something as persistent or long-lasting, chronic is the opposite of acute. The first time you get bronchitis, it is acute. When bronchitis lasts a long time or is a recurring problem, it is chronic.

Columbia Clinic Urgent Care can treat a wide number of chronic conditions, including:

Thyroid disorders:
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid)
• Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid)
• Will be referred to a specialist and start treatment while awaiting specialist care

Anemia:
• Evaluation for Anemia
• B12 Deficiency
• Iron Deficiency – mild

Cardiovascular/heart:
• Blood pressure management
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) secondary prevention management and recommendations
• Cholesterol management
• Leg swelling
• Palpitations
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• High cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

Metabolic conditions:
• Diabetes

Gastrointestinal problems:
• Abdominal pain — minor — if severe, please report to ER
• Constipation
• Diarrhea – mild
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoid – mild
• H-pylori
• Stomach pain — mild — if severe, please go to ER or urgent care
• Ulcer

If you or someone you know is living with a chronic condition, it is important to receive the proper care to effectively manage the condition. The kind and compassionate professionals at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care are experienced in treating a wide number of chronic conditions, from diabetes to hypertension. We can help improve your quality of life and provide you with a higher level of care. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.