Announcements from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

April 28, 2017

FORHP Special Announcement

New Data From the CDC on Rural Health

Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs in Nonmetropolitan Counties

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that, despite higher prevalence of diabetes in rural areas of the country, a significant number of rural counties do not have a clinical practice or program that educates individuals on diabetes prevention or care.  According to the latest release in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Rural Health Series, 62% of non-metropolitan counties did not have diabetes self-management education (DSME). Preventive care and self-management such as routine medical visits, glucose self-monitoring, and healthy dietary and physical activity can prevent or delay costly complications.   The report discusses factors impacting this lack of availability of DSME programs in rural communities as well as the need to strategically address rural disparities in diabetes care and outcomes.

These findings also emphasize the need for chronic care management in rural communities.  FORHP has joined with the CMS Office of Minority Health this year on a nationwide education initiative about the mutual benefit of the patient-provider partnership in managing chronic conditions.  To join this effort, check out Connected Care for details about new chronic care management services and resources for patients, as well as billing codes and specific requirements for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

The Rural Health Information Hub also has a wealth of information and resources on diabetes prevention and management, including toolkits and case studies on effective programs in rural communities.