November is Diabetes Month

Twenty-four million adults and children in the United States suffer from diabetes. Complications from diabetes can include increased risk of heart disease, blindness, glaucoma, nerve damage and kidney damage. However, detection and treatment of diabetes may prevent or delay many of these complications. As a health care professional who provides care to patients with Medicare, you can help protect the health of your patients by educating them about their risk factors and encouraging them to take advantage of Medicare-covered diabetes detection and treatment services. For More Information CMS has developed several educational products related to Medicare-covered diabetes-related services, including:

• The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers and Other Health Care Professionals - This recently revised comprehensive resource provides coverage and coding information on the array of preventive services and screenings that Medicare covers, including diabetes and glaucoma screening tests, diabetes self-management training, medical nutritional therapy, and supplies and other services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. Click here.
• Diabetes-Related Services brochure - This recently updated brochure provides health care professionals with an overview of Medicare's coverage of diabetes screening tests, diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, and supplies and other services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. Click here.
• Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services - This double-sided chart provides coverage and coding information on Medicare-covered preventive services, including diabetes and glaucoma screening tests, diabetes self-management training, medical nutritional therapy, and supplies and other services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. Click here.
• The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Web Page - Provides descriptions and ordering information for MLN preventive services educational products and resources for health care professionals and their staff. Click here.
• Glaucoma Screening brochure - Click here for an updated brochure provides information on coverage for Medicare-covered glaucoma screenings, including the dilated eye examination.Information for your use and materials for consumers and health professionals developed by the National Diabetes Education Program are available by clicking here.

For more information about American Diabetes Month, please visit the American Diabetes Association Web site by clicking here.