Chronic Disease Pledge Bright Spot: HealthPartners

March 25, 2024

Nearly half of American adults have hypertension, putting them at higher risk for heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. Only 22% effectively manage their hypertension, contributing to an annual financial burden of $131 billion.¹ As part of ACHP’s Chronic Disease Pledge, Minneapolis-based HealthPartners is focused on reducing hypertension in their community and has identified strategies, barriers and considerations to mitigate risk factors contributing to hypertension as part of the pledge.  

In developing its pledge goals, HealthPartners outlined two key strategies to assess risk factors and elevate care for hypertension. The first approach focuses on engaging with clinicians using evidence-based strategies, emphasizing the value of team-based care and encouraging consistent conversations around hypertension. Maintaining conversations about hypertension with clinicians and fostering relationships between primary care physicians and pharmacists are important factors in this strategy. 

The second strategy underscores the importance of regular blood pressure measurements to monitor risk factors. HealthPartners encourages patients to check their blood pressure regularly at home and even provides blood pressure cuffs to encourage monitoring. The health plan proactively calls patients to remind them to check their blood pressure and offers advice on when to see their provider. These two approaches have already resulted in improvements. The percentage of controlled blood pressure increased from 60.9% to 72.7% for Commercial Plans in 2021.  

HealthPartners acknowledges that to effectively implement team-based care models, upfront resources and support from the primary care team are essential. Lack of resources or enthusiasm from the clinicians can hamper progress. Identifying barriers allows HealthPartners to be more cognizant of potential challenges, paving the way for course corrections and sustainable change.   

In addition, encouraging in-person interactions between clinicians and pharmacists, understanding the role of the pharmacists in the model and focusing on the overall goal of achieving better health outcomes for patients are central to success.  

HealthPartners is committed to the Chronic Disease Pledge and to reducing the incidence of hypertension in their community. With these strategies and overcoming potential barriers, HealthPartners is hard at work toward its commitment to the pledge and looks forward to continued success.  

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About Hypertension