At a glance
Explaining the value of DSMES to providers can increase referrals. Help providers understand the benefits of DSMES and consider referral as a critical part of the treatment plan for their patients with diabetes.
Increasing referrals
Reasons for referral
Make sure providers understand the reasons behind post-diagnosis referrals:
- A diabetes diagnosis can be "positive" because it enables patients to take action.
- Expecting people with diabetes to make lifestyle changes without access to services and support is unrealistic.
- Additional support helps people with diabetes stay motivated and can keep them from reverting to old habits.
Effective conversations
Understanding the benefits of DSMES can help referring providers have more effective conversations with their patients who have diabetes.
Referring providers may be the ones to tell newly diagnosed people that they have diabetes. Providers should explain the basics:
- Causes of diabetes
- Possible complications
- Treatment options
- Nutrition education
- Blood glucose monitoring
Language matters when providing diabetes care and education. Encourage providers to read "The Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education" or give them this handout: Speaking the Language of Diabetes: Language Guidance for Diabetes-Related Research, Education and Publications.
Encourage referring providers to give people with diabetes the time and opportunity to ask questions. Providers can explain that DSMES services are an important tool to help their patients manage diabetes. Providers can also let people with diabetes know that others who have attended DSMES services have successfully managed their diabetes.
Marketing DSMES services
Organizations delivering DSMES services may consider marketing their services and results, including an annual summary of programmatic and clinical outcomes. This can help build a referral relationship with providers. See the DSMES Promotion Playbook for help and ideas for marketing DSMES services.