Diabetes Self-Management Program | MedStar Health

Our Diabetes and Endocrine Center holds the prestigious Education Recognition Certificate from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to recognize quality diabetes education. This certification ensures that programs meet the ADA's National Standards for Diabetes.

Our educators will empower you to make good choices to help keep you healthy. This information and support will give you the tools to manage your diabetes with confidence.

Initial assessment

Meet individually with an experienced certified diabetes educator to review your medical history and your current condition. Your individual consultation sessions will be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Diabetes education class: group or individual sessions offered

After your initial assessment, you will be invited to attend our group or individual education series. Group sessions are offered monthly. Topics include an introduction to diabetes, meal planning (recipe planner, understanding food labels, carbohydrate counting), exercise, complications, and goal setting. Group topics, dates, and times rotate to make it more convenient for you and your lifestyle.

Living well with diabetes management support group

We know it's comforting to be with people who understand where you are coming from, and who might have some experience on how to manage this disease. This is why we created a support group — a gathering of caregivers and family/friends to discuss ways to effectively manage your condition. Learn the latest information about medications, new tools, and advances in diabetes. The Living Well with Diabetes Management Support Group is free.

Medical nutritional therapy

Medical Nutritional Therapy is used for such diagnosed as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or when you need more specific counseling to modify your diet and make changes in your daily behaviors. You will meet with a registered dietitian on an individual basis to create specific goals, care plans, and methods to achieve optimal health.

Requirements for enrollment in the Diabetes Education Program:

  • Diabetes diagnosis

  • Physician referral

  • As needed, lab results and history reports

  • Insurance coverage information

Cost/coverage

Our staff will help you with verifying your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies cover all or most of the costs, but insurance plans do vary in their coverage and pre-authorization requirements. Please contact your insurance company to inquire about your coverage level.

Medicare coverage

Medicare patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes are eligible for self-management education. Eligible Medicare patients may receive initial training up to 10 hours during the first year, and follow-up training is limited to no more than two hours in each calendar year after the initial training is completed. Education can be authorized in the following ways:

  • Initial Comprehensive Education Program: To be eligible, Medicare patients must never have received comprehensive diabetes education. Comprehensive education is a once in a lifetime benefit and must be completed within 12 months, not to exceed 10 hours in total.

  • Follow-up Education: This is available beginning in the calendar year following the completed comprehensive education program. Follow-up education is allowable up to two hours in each calendar year.

Our providers

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Our locations

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MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9000 Franklin Square Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

5601 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21239