Following recent statewide health proclamations, we are highlighting three new editions of WCHQ Health Insights focused on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Each brief provides data-driven insights and actionable opportunities to improve outcomes across Wisconsin.  

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD affects more than 645,000 Wisconsinites and drives $14 billion in annual healthcare costs. By expanding early screening and detection, member health systems are identifying CKD sooner, initiating treatment earlier, and helping prevent serious complications such as dialysis, transplant, and premature death. Additional strategies and resources are available in our CKD Toolkit.  

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS impacts more than 20,000 Wisconsinites and results in $1.7 billion in annual healthcare expenditures. Improving care coordination and disease management can shorten the time from symptom onset to diagnosis and enable earlier treatment. Through improvement efforts Wisconsin health systems are working to improve patient outcomes resulting in reduced missed work, disability, and early retirement.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Each year, approximately 2,500 Wisconsinites are diagnosed with CRC, yet only 40 percent are identified at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Approximately 880 individuals die from CRC annually. By improving colorectal cancer screening rates, Wisconsin health systems have avoided over $51 million in annual healthcare costs and prevented over 1,700 cases of CRC.  

These Health Insights reflect our commitment to turning data into action and working collaboratively with members to improve health for all Wisconsinites. We encourage members to share these briefs within your organizations and networks to help spread awareness and accelerate improvement.