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Caring for chronic conditions

Do you have arthritis (painful swelling of joints), heart disease, COPD (a serious breathing illness) or other long-term medical problems? At Optum, we offer the support and programs you need to care for your condition.

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What are chronic conditions?

A chronic condition is a serious, long-term medical problem that needs ongoing care. At Optum, we work with you to help you take care of yourself when facing a chronic condition. We’ll also empower you how to stay as healthy as possible.*

Did you know that chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.? Six in 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease. And 4 in 10 have two or more.**

List of chronic conditions

  • Asthma, COPD and other lung problems
  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Chronic cancer (cancers that are ongoing, have spread or come back, for example, blood and skin cancers)
  • Chronic kidney disease 
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease, stroke and congestive heart failure (CHF) 
  • Osteoporosis (brittle bones)

Helping you care for your condition

Our doctors and care teams help you proactively manage your condition so you can stay healthy and out of the hospital.

A care plan built for you

Our team works with you to create a personalized care plan designed around your unique needs. This plan helps you manage symptoms and stop further health issues before they start.  

Education to live better

Beyond the exam room, we help you learn new nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes to help you stay healthier. 

Connected care when you need it

Our doctors and care team work with specialists, labs, home health providers, pharmacies and others to make it easier to get the care you need.

Mental health and emotional support

Our team offers helpful resources for stress management and learning coping skills to help make living with a chronic condition easier.

Find chronic condition care near you

Mickey’s story

How Mickey got the right care for his chronic condition

Learn how Mickey’s Optum doctor and care team helped him manage his diabetes and put his life back together again after a life-altering loss.

Watch Mickey’s story
Mickey, an Optum patient who received support in managing his diabetes

Helpful resources

What it means to be living with a chronic illness

Read inspiring stories of Optum patients who have learned to live better with chronic illnesses.

Read more

Learn ways to live healthier with your chronic COPD

If you have COPD, learn how a rehabilitation program can boost your energy and improve your quality of life.

Read more

What is chronic pain and how to deal with it?

It’s one thing to deal with pain from time to time. But living with it every day is different. Learn why pain can last and how to get help.

Read more

*Services vary by location. Check with your Optum doctor’s office to learn what’s available in your area.

**The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Chronic Diseases. Last reviewed May 6, 2022. Accessed May 24, 2022.