As obesity and diabetes rates rise across the country, many hospitals have developed outpatient diabetes centers. Projections estimate that by 2050, one in three Americans will have diabetes. The most progressive hospitals have combined diabetes treatment, education, wound care, ophthalmology, and other services into comprehensive programs.

In this briefing, we profiled six leading institutions have successfully integrated outpatient diabetes services into their primary care networks. Read it now to learn how an effectively implemented program can benefit PCPs who may otherwise be unable to provide quality diabetes care to their patients and help your organization set itself apart from the competition.

READ THE CASE STUDIES

Five tactics for launching an outpatient diabetes center

1. Scheduling: Allow flexibility in patient appointment length to account for varying patient needs.While some patients need 15 minute appointments, others require a full hour. Use provider knowledge of patient preferences to schedule efficiently.

2. Access: Offer phone consults to improve patient convenience and access.Though not always profitable, phone check-ins improve access to services for the patients, improve clinical outcomes through ongoing patient monitoring, and help differentiate a program.

3. Staffing: Ensure top-of-license care to avoid extra cost of providers.Hire providers such as dieticians who may cost less than an RN but can provide more specialized diabetes care.

4. Facility: Develop a dedicated center to guarantee specialized care.Because diabetes is a complex disease requiring multidisciplinary care, build a comprehensive program that specializes in diabetes care and support services.

5. Revenue: Code and bill carefully according to patient plans to earn favorable reimbursement.Examine each patient's insurance coverage for diabetes education and self-management, and treat the patient within those confines, therefore guaranteeing reimbursement.’