The provision of Diabetes Self Management and Training (DSMT) has drastically changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In most health settings, in-person visits have been dramatically reduced. This is particularly difficult during a time of crisis when people with diabetes most need to connect with health care professionals for sound advice and coaching.

In addition, there has been confusion about which professionals are eligible to offer and bill for DSMT via telehealth.

Good News!

CMS has updated guidance to clarify that all accredited diabetes self-management training providers may furnish and bill for telehealth services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

ADCES Advocacy Group

In early August the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated Guidelines that expand and clarify who is eligible to provide DSMT in a variety of health care settings. Now, there is more clarity about eligible telehealth providers and billing

By adding DSMT programs to the list of eligible providers of telehealth services, the final regulatory barriers preventing registered nurses and pharmacists from furnishing DSMT services via telehealth has been removed.

This means, that no matter the health care setting, recognized DSMT programs that are eligible to bill Medicare Part B directly for DSMT services, can be provided and bill for self-management training by accredited providers. In addition, the telehealth approval includes audio (if that is all that is available) as well as video platforms.

This clarification and expansion is in part due to the excellent work by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) Advocacy Team. Thank you for your excellent work.

The hope is that the ability to provide telehealth services to people living with diabetes will extend past the COVID pandemic since it is offering many participants an alternate way to receive valuable care and education.

For some very helpful information on eligible staff and telehealth billing, click here to review ADCES’ updated FAQ page.

Other Helpful Telehealth Resources

These tools can be implemented with individuals before and after DSMES engagement to assess the effectiveness of telehealth services.

TUQ: Telehealth Usability Questionnaire:

DES: Diabetes Empowerment Scale Short Form:

SDCA: Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities Measure:

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Setting Up a Successful Diabetes Program | FREE Webinar

Join live August 26th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm (PST)

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This program provides you with a succinct overview of the latest standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Support Programs. It also provides insights into the exam philosophy and also highlights critical content areas.

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Perfect for those planning to take the CDCES or BC-ADM or for those seeking a Standards update.

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We are now offering the option to join the Level 2 Webinars live stream for free!

“Excellent as usual! Love Bev’s passion and energy. Thank you for all you do, I appreciate you plenty!! You guys are the absolute best as offering individuals that are not in need of CEs the opportunity to benefit by listening to the content without financial strain is huge, especially during these unprecedented times of furlough/layoff. Thank you and stay well”

Free viewing without CEs – This option is available for those who want to join the live stream of the Level 2 webinars(s), but don’t need CEs. More info here.

Need CEs? You can purchase the course, which includes the live stream webinar, recorded on-demand videos, podcast, handouts, and additional resources. Register here.

Watch for FREE recorded webinar (no CEs).

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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*  

The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.