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St. Anthony
Regional Hospital
NEWS RELEASE
St. Anthony Diabetes Center receives Iowa Medicaid Diabetic Education Certification Did you know every 21 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes? In Carroll County, 1,500 people have diabetes and almost 500 do not even know it. For anyone who has already been diagnosed, diabetes self-management education is the cornerstone of knowing how to live with the disease. The St. Anthony Diabetes Center furthers the organization’s mission of service by providing expanded access to a vital health care resource for west central Iowa. On October 1st, 2006 the St. Anthony Diabetes Center was certified by the Iowa Department of Human Services Medicaid Program. “Medicaid will pay for a diabetic self-management education program. Diabetic education through St. Anthony Diabetes Center will include follow-up assessments at six weeks after completion of the program and again at twelve months without charge. A complete diabetic education program is payable once in the lifetime of a recipient,” said Kellie Kerkhoff-Westercamp, RD, LD, Diabetes Education Coordinator. The key to managing diabetes is knowledge, and the St. Anthony Diabetes Center helps by educating patients and family members to successfully manage their diabetes. It includes education about self-monitoring of blood glucose, an individualized meal plan and exercise regimen, and an insulin treatment plan for those who require insulin, as well as early identification and intervention to avoid future complications and medical costs. Our team approach includes the participants’ physician, a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, and other healthcare specialists. Dr. Dominick Ervelli and Dr. Greg Perkins provide medical direction of the program, and Barb Boldt, PAC is on the program’s advisory board. Deb Dieter is the Diabetes Center’s RN and Rosemary Watchorn MS, RD, LD is one of the dietitians. “Our program provides education and training to individuals with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes,” said Westercamp. “The program is useful for someone who is newly diagnosed with diabetes, or for individuals who need help managing their diabetes.” St. Anthony Regional Hospital focuses on providing family-friendly care and specialized services. This new certification is one way to show our commitment to our patients and community as we strive to exceed expectations every day. For more information, call the St. Anthony Diabetes Center at 712-794-1549, or talk with your doctor to learn more about how you can benefit from the services of the St. Anthony Diabetes Center. |
