According to a 2014 CDC/AADE analysis of health claims from people with private health plans and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, less than 7% of patients were ever referred for DSMES, though 83% of those who are referred end up participating in diabetes education programs.

In 2015, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES), and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics issued a joint position statement on the importance of DSME in type 2 diabetes. The position statement includes an evidence-based diabetes education algorithm that visually depicts when to refer people with type 2 diabetes to DSME and defines four critical times for delivery of DSMES:

At diagnosis
During annual assessment
When a person with diabetes has new complicating factors
Upon transitions in care

Below is a full-page version of the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: ALGORITHM ACTION STEPS.

The Value of Diabetes Education

FAQ.

How do I refer a patient?

Click the button below to access the online referral form or call 484.329.0796 to request referral pads be sent to your office.
What happens post-referral?

Referral received via HIPAA-compliant online form or via fax Outbound call made to patient within 24 hours Call made to insurance plan to obtain eligibility & benefit details Patient enrolled & confirmation sent to patient Reminder call/text/email sent to patient 24-48 hours before session and reminders for each Subsequent session Once education complete, note sent to referring provider
Where are classes held?

At West Chester University & other varying locations in Chester County. Also, classes available online, depending on insurance coverage.
When are classes held?

Monthly, 1 class per week for 4 weeks Classes conveniently offered on weeknight evenings 6pm-8:30pm OR Saturday mornings 9am-11:30am
What does the class participant receive?

Empower Diabetes Education manual Includes up-to-date material approved by the American Diabetes Association Supplemental hand-outs Glucometer and tutorial 3, 6 & 12 month follow-up with CDCES and option for additional educational sessions
What are the goals of the program?

Improve self-care knowledge and skills Increase compliance with self-care regimen Increase compliance with medication regimen Shorten length of stay for inpatient hospitalizations Improve glycemic control as demonstrated by decreased A1c values Decrease ER visits
Why should I refer my patients?

Teaching all the different components to diabetes self-management takes time. The Empower DSME program is YOUR support system. Refer your patients to DSME for comprehensive education and behavior modification. Your referral + DSME education = Patient success!