DSMES: An Essential Service for Improved Outcomes
The evidence is clear, diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) improves A1C, reduces the onset/worsening of diabetes-related complications, enhances the quality of life and fosters healthy coping strategies to decrease diabetes-related distress. However, to ensure DSMES is available to every person affected by diabetes, prediabetes or other cardiometabolic conditions, it is essential that health systems, payers, providers and the diabetes care team work together to reduce barriers and improve access. In 2020, ADCES joined with six other healthcare organizations to co-publish a consensus report outlining compelling evidence for the increased utilization of DSMES.
Consensus Report
The consensus report was developed by authors from ADCES, the American Diabetes Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of PAs, the American Association of NursePractitioners, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Pharmacists Association. The joint effort provides details on the four key times to implement DSMES and specific recommendations for both clinicians and the health system to increase access to and participation in DSMES services.
Key points addressed in this paper:
- Evidence on the value of DSMES in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- The four key times to implement DSMES services.
- Specific recommendations for payers, providers and health systems to improve access and utilization of DSMES.
- Importance of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in a diabetes management plan.
- Guidance to reduce or remove barriers to DSMES referral and participation.
Utilize this
DSMT/MNT Referral Order 2021 (PDF), designed to make it easy for physicians to refer for DSMT and MNT in one quick step. For more on referring to diabetes education, access our
step-by-step guide for providers.
Reimbursement Resources
Review the billing codes in the supplements section of the consensus report to maximize return on investment in diabetes care and education. Please read the reimbursement section in the consensus report and consult with your billing and compliance teams before implementing billing codes as they are subject to change.
ADCES members have exclusive access to the latest billing code information, reimbursement experts and more on our ask the expert FAQ page.
From the 2020 ADCES Virtual Annual Conference: Advocating for the 4 Critical Times for DSMES with Primary Care Providers
The Huddle: Conversations with the Diabetes Care Team
The Huddle is available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. Listen to previous episodes of The Huddle
Evidence shows diabetes education works, but to increase utilization it takes a collaborative approach. Maggie Powers, PhD, RD, CDCES and Joan Bardsley, MBA, RN, CDCES, FADCES walk us through the recent work by ADCES and several other organization to develop a consensus report on diabetes self-management education and support, with specific recommendations for providers, payers, health systems and the diabetes care team.
Resources for People with Diabetes
4 Key Times to See a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
It’s never a bad time to book an appointment with a diabetes care and education specialist, but there are a few times in your life when seeing one is extra important.
Share the benefits of diabetes self-management education and support! Download this flier to distribute to share with providers, health systems and others in your network.