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

[grannynurse FNP student]

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

I don't think so. I worked with a Medicare Fraud Unit back in the 70s. Once was enough for me.

Grannynurse

[Retired R.N.]

> I am seriously considering doing my thesis on the impact of diabetes and the lack of support and education, in the community.

I think that would be a very useful project! Have you also taken a look at the generally sorry state of online information that is available to diabetes patients and their caretakers?

[grannynurse FNP student]

> I am seriously considering doing my thesis on the impact of diabetes and the lack of support and education, in the community.

I think that would be a very useful project! Have you also taken a look at the generally sorry state of online information that is available to diabetes patients and their caretakers?

I found a support group that meets once a month. The state of information, on line, is indeed poor. But there are those who believe they know everything and post like they do. There is one, who posts every little tidbit as if it were the last word.

Grannynurse

[bookwormom]

I am in a diabetes program for state employees. It involves counseling q month X3 then q 3mo indefinitely, I think. The counseling is provided by a pharmacist . The advice has been generally good. WT and BP are checked at each visit. The pharmacist asks about the results of lab work and reviews the self glucose results (by checking the glucometer), but doesn't contact the physician. The only real benefit to me is that by participating, I don't have any copay on meds or supplies. So, it is worth it to me. The pharmacist did tell me that programs like this have resulted in savings for insurance companies.