Every Diabetic Counts (EDC) is a program of Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations currently focused in seven states (DC, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, and the US Virgin Islands).
The goal of the Every Diabetic Counts program is to bring diabetes self-management education classes to Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes so that they can learn to manage and control their diabetes and live healthier lives. The classes are at no cost for Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries.
Mississippi Health First is a more recent diabetes self-management education program that is being offered statewide in Mississippi. If you live in Mississippi and are interested in learning how you can participate in this program, please contact one of the following organizations:
Mississippi Quality Improvement Organization |
Information & Quality Healthcare
Visit www.iqh.org or Call 866-505-2383 |
Healthcare Management Solutions LLC |
Visit www.hcmsllc.com |
If you don't live in one of the states where the class is being offered, don't worry. The American Diabetes Association is an affiliate with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and are an excellent source for diabetes education materials. You can visit www.diabetes.org to learn more about American Diabetes Association and you can visit http://professional.diabetes.org/erp_zip_search.aspx to find recognized education program in your area by zip code.
You may also reach the Health Disparities Quality Improvement Organization Support Center by calling 1-877-746-6465 or email us at healthdisparitiesqiosc@hcdi.com, and we will send information to you that can help you get started on how to manage living with diabetes.
Read on to what individuals that have gone through diabetes self-management education are saying about the classes they have attended.
Testimonials |
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The testimonials that follow were provided during an “Independence from Diabetes” graduation celebration on July 29th, 2009 held in Jackson, TN. All of the graduates, including those who provided these testimonials, successfully completed the Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) program offered as a part of the CMS-funded project titled “Interventions for a Focused Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease Disparities Project.” This event was a celebration for every participant and member of the project. Its success encourages all participants to continue to learn and fight the effects of diabetes mellitus. We hope to affect many more lives as we continue our work on this project.
- Carolyn Weeks of Lexington, TN stated, “Diabetes is the monster that lives within us.” She emphasized that everyone enrolled in the project made the decision to control it and that knowledge is power. She fully embraces the new approach in continuing her education about diabetes and truly believes that learning from one another in the group setting is a crucial part of the program.
- “I learn better in a group,” said John Bond of Jackson, TN during his testimonial. Although he admits that he likes to argue, he also states this is the best way that he learns. He stated that he is smart enough to admit when someone else makes a better point. The participants in group have become his friends and the learning experience is enhanced because they share a common goal. He is thrilled that his last HbA1C was 6.2!
- J.W. Kopp from Jackson, TN stated that “Our bodies are temples. Stress, plus wear and tear equals problems.” In the group setting, he realized that he does not have to tackle this disease on his own. He became conscious that others struggle just like him and knowing this makes it easier for him to cope. “The group told me to make sure that my doctor checks my feet. I am more conscious of it! We are responsible for it! When you feel alone it is great to know others and that you are never alone!
- Betty Dance, from Humbolt, TN, thanked God for this program. She said that she could not see well, and her doctor sent her to an eye doctor. She was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Like many others, she fought doing what she needed to do to maintain her health. As a result, her health worsened and she experienced kidney failure. Ms. Dance admits that if she had learned then what she knows now, this experience could have been prevented. “I realized I cannot do this alone. This program was one of the best things to have ever happened in my life!”
- “I was definitely reluctant at first,” said Vivian Dickerson from Jackson, TN. She feels that this is the most wonderful program and her educator, Karlos Thomas, has taught her more than any other diabetic program she has ever attended.
- Joe Hammonds of Trenton, TN was diagnosed in the 1980’s with diabetes mellitus. “Diabetes is a silent monster,” said Mr. Hammonds. His diabetes did not bother him when he was first diagnosed. Now that he has been more affected by it, he has learned a great deal more and graduated from the DSME program. He feels encouraged to deal with it even when he does not understand it wholly. He believes, “The more you learn, the more you can fight!”
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