Late in December, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) released its final outpatient education guidelines for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. The guidelines were required by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Under the new regulations, if you are on Medicare, you can now receive diabetes education from accredited education providers whether or not they are hospital-based. Previously, only hospital-based diabetes education programs were eligible for Medicare reimbursement.

Studies have shown that people who have completed education programs are better able to control their blood glucose levels. If you feel you could benefit from such a program, ask your healthcare provider about the offerings in your area. Or call the American Association of Diabetes Educators at 800-832-6874 to locate a certified diabetes teacher near you.

Source:  ADA. ADA applauds the release of diabetes education regulations by the Health Care Financing Administration. Dec. 28, 2000.