As a manager of a comprehensive Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism center that includes a multi -site ADA recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education program, I often reflect why more patients are not being referred to our program and what causes a patient to no show their appointment. As we know there are multiple reasons for both but what it comes down to is access and payment.
As educators we need to network with referring providers and educate them about the coverage of DSMT and encourage referrals throughout the patient’s life with diabetes not just at diagnosis. That being said there are significant barriers for our Medicare patients in accessing DSMT. The most significant one being who can refer. Other barriers include limited hours, cost sharing by the patient (deductible and copays), and where the services can be provided.
Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act would help to eliminate some of those barriers. The act would expand those who can refer, initial hours to not expire after 12 months, increase the number of hours annually, allow hospital outpatient departments to provide DSMT in community-based settings, and remove patient cost-sharing.
I think broadening which providers can refer to DSMT is going to increase the number of referrals and improve diabetes outcomes. Many of our patients have multiple health care providers and numerous touch-points in our system thus opening the door for hospitalists, podiatrists, optometrists, nephrologists, cardiologists and other specialists to refer when they identify a need for DSMT. Patients would be referred at critical times and thus hopefully improving clinical outcomes and quality of life. This would help with PROJECT VISION strategy Optimizing diabetes care delivery for the Quadruple Aim, improved patient experience and outcomes, improved provider experience and lower cost of care. The patient would be receiving the right care at the right time.
Breaking down barriers to DSMT will help patients access the cost-effective services we provide and hopefully change the course of diabetes in our country. In order to make this happen, we need to be pushing for the passing of H.R 1840/S.814 Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act. Now is the time to fight for access, join the fight by contacting Senator Tester, Senator Daines and Congressman Gianforte and ask them to cosponsor the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act.
Taking action can be an email, phone call or letter. You can also encourage your patients to fight for access by encouraging them to email, call, or write a letter in support of H.R. 1840/S.814.
Contact Senator Tester at www.tester.senate.gov/contact
Contact Senator Daines at www.daines.senate.gov/contact
Contact Congressman Gianforte at https://gianforte.house.gove/contact/email
Visit the AADE Advocacy page at www.diabeteseducator.org click on Advocacy Legislative Action Center
Increase Access to DSMT by Advocating for Legislative Change