Maggy Pharmacy is pleased to announce the addition of a diabetes education classroom to teach DSMES (Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support).  We have invested in our community and contsructed a brand new educational room to provide services to help patients understand more about diabetes and help reduce  complications.  Our pharmacy has obtained certification to teach DSMES through ADCES (Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists) with the assistance of CPESN.  CPESN stands for Community Pharmacy Enhanced Service Network. 

What is DSMES?

Diabetes is a complicated disease requiring practice to manage it into your everyday life.  You may be wondering about eating balanced meals, exercising safely, checking blood sugar, or giving yourself injectable medications.  DSMES services help you with all these skills no matter what stage you're in or what type of diabetes you have.

You'll work with a diabetes care and education specialist who will help you create a plan and teach you about the 7 key self-care behaviorsHealthy eating.

Being active
Taking medicine as prescribed
Monitoring your blood sugar levels, activity, and eating habits
Reducing risks to lower the chances of diabetes complications
Healthy coping with diabetes and emotional well-being
Problem solving to find solutions and take action

DSMES can help you improve your blood sugar levels to prevent or delay complications, avoid emergency care, and save you money on health care costs. DSMES can also help you lower your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

 

How will DSMES help me?

DSMES helps you manage diabetes so you can prevent or delay serious diabetes complications like heart disease, kidney disease, amputations, and vision loss. People who participate in DSMES are more likely to have better overall health and improved quality of life with diabetes.

How can I enroll in DSMES?

The first step is to have our pharmacist send a referral to your doctor.  The referral allows you access to the education you deserve to help fight the complications of diabetes.  Education is the key to your health.  Our pharmacist will work directly with your provider.  Providers may prefer you to enroll in DSMES. By taking classes, providers know their patient will have a broader education about diabetes and how to manage it.

When should I participate in DSMES?

There are many reasons to participate:

1. If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes

2. You are developing new complications with your diabetes

3. Life changes have made your diabetes more difficult to manage.

4. You have been struggling to find ways you can reduce your blood sugar to avoid future complications

Does insurance cover DSMES?

Insurance coverage of DSMES varies, but many plans cover diabetes education. Medicare covers up to 10 hours of DSMES if you’ve been diagnosed in the past year. After the first year, your coverage may change. Note that Medicare refers to DSMES as diabetes self-management training (DSMT). Contact your insurance provider for more information about your benefits.  Insurances that do cover DSMES may also charge you a copay for DSMES or specify how many sessions are allowed.  Our DSMES specialist can help assist you by calling your medical insurance to see what is allowed.  

What if my insurance does not cover DSMES?

You can pay out of pocket for DSMES.  Maggy Pharmacy has a set usual customary rate for each session you attend.  Remember, obtaining diabetes education through DSMES can help prevent future complications with your diabetes.  It is our goal to help you manage your diabetes better, eat healthier, evaulate your medication, and help you monitor your blood sugar.  

 

Thank you for your interest in obtaining DSMES.  A pharmacy team member will reach out if more information is needed.  Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions: 518-492-7130