Governor Rendell Appoints Dr. Richard Snyder of Independence Blue Cross to Chronic Care ...( PHILADELPHIA Sept. 27 /- Governor...),Health

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell recently appointed Richard Snyder, M.D., senior vice president of Health Services at Independence Blue Cross (IBC) to the state's Chronic Care Commission. Snyder took his oath of office last week in Harrisburg along with 36 other commission appointees during its first meeting.

The commission will lead efforts to improve care for Pennsylvanians living with chronic health conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, depression, diabetes and lung disease. The commission is comprised of members from the governor's cabinet including a unique combination of health care industry representatives from across the state.

According to data within the Governor's Prescription for Pennsylvania health care reform plan, approximately 78 percent of all health care costs in Pennsylvania can be traced to the 20 percent of patients living with chronic disease. However, only 56 percent of these Pennsylvanians receive the care they need. As a result, in 2005 hospitals reported more than $1.7 billion in hospital charges for hospitalizations that may have been avoided if patients with chronic health conditions had received necessary preventative care.

"We are dedicated to offering our members innovative approaches to better prevent, detect and treat chronic illnesses, so they lead healthier lives," said Joseph A. Frick, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "We strongly support statewide efforts to improve the management of chronic disease so that Pennsylvanians receive the right care at the right time -- making health care more affordable for all."

The commission will recommend efforts to identify and assist chronically ill patients by providing additional information about their illnesses and helping them develop skills to manage effectively their conditions. This will include establishing regional community learning partnerships and forming alliances with community-based organ
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