Chart Focus Newsletter
March 2011

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The huge impact of chronic conditions

Why do some disease-management programs succeed while others founder? McKinsey research points to the huge impact of chronic conditions, which now claim at least three-quarters of all health care spending in most developed countries. One government-run health insurer in Germany, for example, has costs totaling more than €6 billion, including €4.9 billion for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (€760 million) and diabetes (€500 million).

A well-designed effort addressing these conditions could do much to control health care costs while actually improving care for patients. To learn more, read “How to design a successful disease-management program” (October 2010).

December 2008
Three imperatives for improving US health care
The US health care system won’t be sustainable unless the underlying costs and their growth are reduced. Good news: they can be.

September 2008
Health care costs: A market-based view
Over the past 50 years, spending on health care has consistently outpaced broader economic growth. What will happen if that trend persists? Which forces might speed or slow it?

March 2008
Innovation in health care: An interview with the CEO of the Cleveland Clinic
Delos “Toby” Cosgrove discusses new ideas in health care, including a key role top executives can play in reducing its cost in the United States.

February 2007
Universal principles for health care reform
Health care systems can address their basic problems by recognizing the interconnections among them.

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