Terminology and Glossary

At a glance

Find explanations and definitions for commonly used DSMES terms and acronyms.

Diabetes word cloud that includes the words "sugar," "insulin," and "empowerment."

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES)

DSMES services help people with diabetes manage their diabetes in ways that fit their lifestyle. Participants will:

  • Work with a diabetes care and education specialist to set and track goals.
  • Learn how to use knowledge, skills, and tools to build confidence and emotional strength to manage diabetes.
  • Practice fitting diabetes care into all parts of their daily routine—like when and what they eat and how they solve problems.
  • Find ways to get support (in person and online) from family, friends, the community, and their health care team.

Diabetes self-management training (DSMT)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services uses the term "training" (DSMT) instead of "education and support" (DSMES) when defining the reimbursable benefit. The term DSMT is used specifically with billing.

Glossary

Abbreviations

A1C: Glycated hemoglobin (measure of blood glucose over 3 months)

AAA: Area Agencies on Aging

ACO: Accountable Care Organization

ADA: American Diabetes Association

ADCES: Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

BC-ADM: Board certified – advanced diabetes management

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDCES: Certified diabetes care and education specialist

CEU: Continuing education unit

CHW: Community health worker

CMS: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CQI: Continuous quality improvement

DCES: Diabetes care and education specialist

DEAP: Diabetes Education Accreditation Program

DSMES: Diabetes self-management education and support

DSMT: Diabetes self-management training

EHR: Electronic health record

EMR: Electronic medical record

ERP: Education recognition program

FQHC: Federally Qualified Health Center

HCPCS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System

MNT: Medical nutrition therapy

MSSP: Medicare Shared Savings Program

NCQA: National Committee for Quality Assurance

NPI: National provider identifier

PCMH: Patient-centered medical home

RD: Registered dietitian

RHC: Rural health clinic

SMA: Shared medical appointment