Chronic disease plan to cover blood lipid testing starting next Friday

Blood lipid testing will be included in the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CDCC) Pilot Scheme beginning March 28, according to the Health Bureau.

In addition to the existing diabetes mellitus and hypertension screening, the expanded scheme aims to provide comprehensive coverage of the “three highs”, allowing more citizens to analyze and monitor their risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, over 20 additional service points will be established throughout the city from April 15 to provide initial assessments for osteoarthritis in the knees and backs, muscle and joint function, basic self-management and diet to District Health Centre/Express members who have not participated in the CCDC Pilot scheme. 

All the related assessments will be provided by occupational therapists, Chinese medicine practitioners, physiotherapists, speech therapists and dietitians at the dedicated nurse clinics and allied health service.

Meanwhile, podiatry services will be enhanced at the dedicated nurse clinics and allied health service on the same day,  where participants with diabetes and/or hypertension will be provided with foot assessments and treatment plans for conditions such as foot ulcers, peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, or foot deformities.

It is understood that the scheme’s current eligibility criteria, as well as the government subsidies for consultations and the participants' co-payment amount, remain unchanged.

A department spokesperson said the scheme has received a positive response since its launch, attracting over 100,000 participants to join to date.

Among the participants, approximately 62,700 had completed screenings while around 24,200 were diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or prediabetes and are currently undergoing treatment.