The strength of Cigna's (NYSE: CI) chronic condition support programs has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Cigna has received NCQA Patient and Practitioner Oriented Disease Management (DM) Accreditation for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, depression, and diabetes.

Earning NCQA DM Accreditation is an indication that a DM program is dedicated to giving patients and/or practitioners the support, education and other help necessary to facilitate good outcomes and good care. NCQA’s DM Accreditation program is designed to help purchasers evaluate DM programs and to improve patient care and service.

Patient and practitioner oriented DM accreditation is the most comprehensive option and is for organizations that work with both patients and practitioners. These programs address interventions toward patients and interact with the patients’ practitioners to support their plan of care.

"NCQA's Disease Management Accreditation program is thorough and rigorous. It's designed to highlight only those programs that truly improve chronic care," said NCQA President Margaret E. O'Kane.

The standards for the DM Accreditation Program are organized into six categories: Evidence-Based Program; Patient Service; Practitioner Service; Care Coordination; Measurement and Quality Improvement; and Program Operation.

“Earning this NCQA accreditation demonstrates Cigna's commitment to improving the health, well-being and sense of security of our customers,” said Michael Reardon, M.D., national medical director responsible for Cigna's chronic condition support programs. “Cigna's integrated, holistic approach to managing chronic conditions provides customers with multiple options to best meet their individual health care needs.”

Cigna's chronic condition management program, Your Health First, takes a unique approach to help people who have ongoing conditions such as asthma,diabetes, and depression better manage their health. This behavioral-based program provides comprehensive health management tailored to each individual and it's delivered through the continuous, personalized support of a dedicated health advocate. Focusing on each person's health needs, preferences and goals, the health advocate's one-on-one approach helps create stronger relationships, establish trust and drive positive behavior changes.