Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Baptist offers an Outpaitent Diabetes Management Program through
the Baptist Nutrition Center. Through individual attention and
beneficial monitoring, it offers comprehensive diabetes education
to those with newly diagnosed and established cases of Type I, Type
II, and gestational diabetes.It is adminstered from Baptist's
Nutrition Center, located in the Medical Arts East Building on
State Street in Jackson, Miss. and at the Baptist Madison Campus in
Madison, Miss.
Nutrition Center Manager Amy Dent and Outpatient Diabetes Educator
Monica Jones head the Diabetes Management Program. Dent, a
registered and licensed dietitian, initially hired Jones in 2008 to
work part-time in the Center. But as diabetes referrals increased,
the pair decided to amp up their credentials. While Jones sought
personal qualification as a Certified Diabetes Educator, Baptist
secured the program's Gold Seal of Approval™ and Disease-Specific
Care certification from the Joint Commission. Recently, the
American Association of Diabetes Educators accredited the Nutrition
Center's Outpatient Diabetes Management Program. The benefit of
which is twofold. First, the DMP can offer the full range of
diabetes services. These include nutrition, medication, blood sugar
monitoring, and complications management, among others. Second,
some insurers cover visits and follow-ups. The Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services for qualified Part B Medicare beneficiaries
with Type II diabetes provide some cost coverage. Private insurance
plans vary, and it is recommended patients contact their provider
to determine coverage prior to their appointment.
"The Baptist Nutrition Center can provide this much needed service
to patients, providing them with additional knowledge and skills to
manage their health and prevent complications down the road," says
Dent. "Most patients know very little about diabetes and the
benefits of glucose control. After just one hour with one of our
Registered Dietitian, patients have a better understanding of
diabetes and the benefits of glucose control. Through this
understanding, they are more confident and better equipped to
manage their disease. With a simple phone call from the referring
physician office and a faxed referral form we can obtain everything
we need to assist the patient."
Endocrinologists, obstetricians, and family practitioners statewide
refer patients to the program. Under the care of Jones and Dent,
patients receive the time and attention needed for peace of
mind.
Jones explains, "I set goals with patients and then contact them
approximately one month after our meeting to see how they are
meeting their goals. Mississippi has one of the largest diabetes
populations in America. This is obviously a huge need. And we're
trying to meet that need."
The Diabetes Management Program covers the following topics during
education sessions: - Diabetes Disease Process Overview -
Nutritional Management - Medication Instructions - Physical
Activity - Blood Glucose Monitoring - Acute Complications - Chronic
Complications and Risk Reduction - Preconception Care / Pregnancy
Care
For more information, contact the Baptist Nutrition Center at
601-973-1624.
