COPD Awareness Month: Tips, Tools, and Resources

Date: 11/13/24

Superior HealthPlan would like to remind healthcare providers about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) awareness month this November. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a questionnaire for people with COPD, designed to measure the impact this disease has on a person's life and how to keep record of these changes over time. The CAT is also crucial in collecting data for research that can be accessed from the CAT for Healthcare Professionals & Researchers website. The CAT is simple to administer, and aims to help clinicians, with their patients, better manage COPD.

Superior emphasizes the importance of pharmacological management tailored to each member’s needs. Not all members with COPD exhibit the same symptoms, and treatment may vary from person to person. Providers can collaborate with patients to create effective treatment plans that address specific COPD symptoms. By administering the right treatment, members can experience improved breathing, engage in more activities they enjoy, and reduce the frequency of flare-ups or exacerbations. For additional information, please reference the COPD Pharmacological Therapy and Treatment Options (PDF) on Superior’s Pharmacy Resources webpage.

With a comprehensive understanding of your patients’ symptoms, discussions regarding their treatment plans can become more productive. Early intervention is key to maximizing treatment options while minimizing complications associated with chronic conditions. If you identify a member who could benefit from care management related to COPD, please contact the Service Coordination Department at 1-855-757-6567 or submit a referral request through Superior's Secure Provider Portal.

The CAT is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace existing COPD treatments; however, it can significantly aid in monitoring their effects.

For more information, please reference the additional resources below: