|
Item
#13
Continuity of Care Improves
Glucose Control
Continuity
of care with a primary care physician improves glucose control in
type 2 diabetes patients, report researchers.
Researchers assessed the stage of change for diet and exercise in
a prospective cohort of 256 adults (aged over 18 years) with
established type 2 diabetes in two patient interviews. HbA1c
levels were measured and medical records were examined. Continuity
of care was defined as the number of visits and the number of
physicians seen.
Patients
who advanced one or more stages of change for diet had higher
levels of continuity. As continuity improved, the change in HbA1c
was smaller (p<0.001). This relationship remained significant
after adjusting for confounding variables.
Reference:Parchman ML et al. Continuity of care, self-management
behaviors, and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Med Care 2002; 40: 137-44.=============================
===============================
DID YOU KNOW:
Medicare
disease management is being planned?
CMS has proposed a 3 year demonstration project for disease
management of chronically ill Medicare patients that includes Rx
drugs. The agency is seeking proposals for patients with advanced
stage congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary heart
disease. The disease management organizations will be paid a
monthly premium for coordinating care and the cost of the drugs.
Back / Next Item
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
