Ashley Regional Medical Center has achieved accreditation from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) to provide quality diabetes self-management education and support, according to an October 28 statement. The milestone is intended to help meet the needs of Medicare recipients and others affected by diabetes in the Uintah Basin.
The accreditation signifies a high level of quality and service for the community. Jessica Short, a dietitian at Ashley Regional Medical Center, stated that the goal is to help people make manageable changes that fit into their everyday lives and to provide support close to home.
Diabetes education services at the center utilize a collaborative process where individuals with or at risk for diabetes work with an educator to receive individualized care. While diabetes education is a covered Medicare benefit when delivered through an accredited program, the center also offers quarterly diabetes education classes. These four-week courses cover the fundamentals of diabetes care, allow participants to bring a support person, and require a referral from a primary care provider.
The facility also hosts a free, public group called Pursuing Wellness Peacefully. Led by Jessica Short, MS, RDN, CD, AMFT, CDCES, this eating disorder informed group focuses on topics such as mindfulness, intuitive eating, and sustainable wellness changes. The sessions are held on the third Thursday of each month from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Sacha Uelmen, the Director of Accreditation at ADCES, noted that evidence shows diabetes education and support helps people lower their A1c levels and gain skills to better self-manage the condition. ADCES is a National Accredited Organization (NAO) for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Accredited programs must comply with the 2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. These standards are revised every five years by a group of diabetes educators from ADCES and the American Diabetes Association and are approved by CMS. Programs must maintain compliance throughout a four-year accreditation cycle.
