Population management takes disease management to the next level.

The increased development and implementation of disease management programs reflect attempts by a growing number of health plans to reduce costs while providing patients with high-quality care. Unfortunately, few of these programs are generating optimal cost savings. Instituting initiatives for a select group of plan members afflicted with a disease will not produce the positive results that a comprehensive population management program can. Through the integration, coordination, and management of all of a population's healthcare needs, diabetes population management programs are producing significantly greater cost savings than are other disease management programs, including those for diabetes.