Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Toolkit
The DSMES Toolkit is a comprehensive resource for achieving success in Diabetes Self- Management Education and Support (DSMES). Expanded use of DSMES can help ensure that all people with diabetes receive the support they need.
When Diabetes Self-Management Education Is Emergency Medicine
DSMES can help patients with their diabetes management during times of emergency.
Learn about the need for, terms used and benefits of diabetes self-management education and support.
Find out how the standards define quality, evidence-based DSMES services that meet or exceed the Medicare diabetes self-management training regulations.
Learn about the processes necessary to gain accreditation or recognition for DSMES services.
Find tools and resources to address common issues for DSMES services.
Learn about traditional and non-traditional ways to implement DSMES services.
Find resources on billing, coding and reimbursement for DSMES services
Learn how to develop marketing and promotion plans for DSMES services.
Find resources to create a business plan for sustainable DSMES services.
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) provides an evidence-based foundation to empower people with diabetes to navigate self-management decisions and activities.1 DSMES is a cost-effective tool proven to help improve health behaviors and health outcomes for people with diabetes.
DSMES has been shown to improve health outcomes. However, despite considerable evidence that DSMES services are cost-effective and have a positive impact on diabetes-related outcomes, utilization of DSMES services is suboptimal. In the United States, less than 5% of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes and 6.8% of privately insured people with diagnosed diabetes have used DSMES services.2,3
The purpose of this toolkit is to increase use of DSMES services among people with diabetes and promote healthcare provider referrals. Expanded use of DSMES can help ensure that all people with diabetes receive the support they need. The toolkit provides resources and tools in one place to assist with the development, promotion, implementation, and sustainability of DSMES services.
Specifically, the toolkit is designed to:
- Communicate the evidence supporting DSMES, including the clinical and economic benefits
- Clarify the process for establishing a DSMES service that meets minimum standards and is eligible for reimbursement
- Provide resources and tools to facilitate becoming a recognized or accredited DSMES provider
- Describe common barriers to DSMES use and referral, and provide tips for overcoming these barriers
Note: Although the toolkit offers a wide range of tools and resources to assist those who are interested in implementing or supporting DSMES services, it is not an exhaustive guide to all aspects of DSMES service implementation.
Disclaimer: The toolkit provides website addresses and links to resources from nonfederal organizations solely as a service to readers. Provision of a website does not constitute an endorsement of the organization by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of other organizations’ webpages, nor for the accuracy of guidance provided by other sources.