Medicare and following diabetics

[grannynurse FNP student]

I finally was contacted by a Medicare nurse regarding their new diabetic monitoring and education program. I am enrolled for a three year period. I am one of approximately 20,000 diabetics, in Florida, enrolled. I will be contacted every three to four months and asked a series of questions. They basically cover the general state of my health and do not directly address my diabetes. In fact, the nurse interviewing me today never asked what medications I take to control my diabetes. She did give me an 800 number that I can call if I have any questioned about my diabetes. She also told me that Medicare is patterning this experimental program after several private health insurance company's programs. Is it me or does anyone else find this program will be a waste of time and money? No support services are offered, no diabetic education is offered, no real support is offered? Am I expecting too much from the program or is it failing to deliver?

Grannynurse

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

Ahhhhhhhhh our tax dollars at work...

[grannynurse FNP student]

Ahhhhhhhhh our tax dollars at work...

Wait til I see my doctor tomorrow. I happy that atleast one other person sees this as a waste. I'll take part but if it doesn't improve I'll be writting a few letters.

Grannynurse

[Mulan]

Are you a Family Nurse Practitioner student? Is that what your name refers to? When do you graduate from your program?

What exactly is Medicare hoping to gain or learn from this program?

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I once dealt with an employer maintained program like this when I worked at the office. This nurse asked about meds, bp, hgb a1c, etc. This pt was not new to their program either and as I recall the nurse also asked "This pt mentioned xy&z, did she bring that up in the office?" I was very impressed. Unfortunately, the company the lady worked for is now closed and I no longer work there so I don't know if they still have the program.

[fergus51]

Well, what about the 800 number? Is that a source of education or support?

It does sound wasteful, but it's hard to say that without knowing anything else about the program.

[Retired R.N.]

I finally was contacted by a Medicare nurse regarding their new diabetic monitoring and education program. I am enrolled for a three year period. I am one of approximately 20,000 diabetics, in Florida, enrolled. I will be contacted every three to four months and asked a series of questions. They basically cover the general state of my health and do not directly address my diabetes. In fact, the nurse interviewing me today never asked what medications I take to control my diabetes. She did give me an 800 number that I can call if I have any questioned about my diabetes. She also told me that Medicare is patterning this experimental program after several private health insurance company's programs. Is it me or does anyone else find this program will be a waste of time and money? No support services are offered, no diabetic education is offered, no real support is offered? Am I expecting too much from the program or is it failing to deliver?

Grannynurse

Have you used the 800 number to ask any questions yet? Waiting for them to contact you, whether by mail or by telephone, doesn't sound like a very good way for their program to have any impact on your condition. Are you merely being used to provide information for someone's database? What happens to the information you give them? (HIPPA?)

I really don't understand how they can claim to monitor your general health if they don't know what medications you are taking to try to control your diabetes. If I were trying to monitor a person with diabetes, I would also be interested in their diet, the results of their glucose testing, the amount and kind of exercise they are getting, and any other medical conditions that they might have, especially the ones that are considered complications of

diabetes.

Are they charging you anything for these "services" or is all the expense covered by Medicare?

[grannynurse FNP student]

Have you used the 800 number to ask any questions yet? Waiting for them to contact you, whether by mail or by telephone, doesn't sound like a very good way for their program to have any impact on your condition. Are you merely being used to provide information for someone's database? What happens to the information you give them? (HIPPA?)

I really don't understand how they can claim to monitor your general health if they don't know what medications you are taking to try to control your diabetes. If I were trying to monitor a person with diabetes, I would also be interested in their diet, the results of their glucose testing, the amount and kind of exercise they are getting, and any other medical conditions that they might have, especially the ones that are considered complications of

diabetes.

Are they charging you anything for these "services" or is all the expense covered by Medicare?

All righty everyone. Medicare is paying for the cost of the program:rolleyes:

The 800 number is available for any questions I might have about my disease but I was not impressed with the nurse. She knew about my high blood sugars during my recent hospitalization but did not know I was receiving IV solu medrol, duh:rolleyes: She did comment that my blood sugars must be out of wack, they are not now. She never asked what diet I was on or medications, which leaves me a little cool to the program. And she never asked about any of my other medical problems, again :rolleyes:

I am a student in an MSN program here in Florida, to answer the one inquiry.

This whole program is leaving me pretty cold to any attempts by Medicare to lessen the complications of diabetes and to provide support and education to those that need it. I am seriously considering doing my thesis on the impact of diabetes and the lack of support and education, in the community.

Grannynurse

[wincha]

I'm curious what company did she say she works for? Was it Healthways?

[grannynurse FNP student]

I'm curious what company did she say she works for? Was it Healthways?

She didn't. And I forgot to ask:o I can call tomorrow and see how they identify themselves.

Grannynurse

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I guess Medicare could get 'bits' of information after a while. For instance, they could say, this many people called the 800# suggesting that this many have questions about their diabetes management which info is only self-serving.

I agree, this is a poor attempt to provide Medicare diabetes management. However, this is just the beginning...maybe it will get better.

[Mulan]

Maybe, particularly after you get your MSN, you could contact Medicare and offer to set up a program for them.