May 29, 2003

Genesis Diabetes Care Center Rates High With American Diabetes Association

Davenport, IA - "Absolutely fabulous." That is how auditors from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) describe Genesis Medical Center's (GMC) Diabetes Care Center after a recent short-notice certification check.

The GMC diabetes program received its current certification in 2001, which normally is effective for three years. However in this instance, the GMC diabetes program was among the two percent of diabetes programs nationwide randomly audited by the ADA each year. Without the ADA recognition, GMC would not receive Medicare or third-party reimbursement for patients receiving care through the diabetes program.

"This validates the quality of our program, and that we have great outcomes," said Marsha Menke, Manager, Diabetes Care Center. "It shows that what we want to do for our patients helping them manage this disease and reducing health-related complications, we are indeed accomplishing."

During their one-day visit, auditors reviewed the program for required content, comprehensive standards of care and staff certification. They also examined patient demographic and outcome data, inspected facilities, and conducted interviews with staff and administrators. Auditors were impressed by the program's support from hospital administrators.

"I'm not surprised that we rated so highly because of the staff in the Diabetes Care Center. They're anxious to do even better," said Menke. "They are very, very dedicated and really believe in their mission and that of Genesis Medical Center. They go above and beyond in giving to our patients."

The Diabetes Care Center marked its 15th anniversary in April and since its start in 1988 has had approximately 92,000 patient visits. In 1992, it was one of the first 300 hospital programs in the U.S. to achieve recognition from the ADA and has maintained its certification every year since. It offers one of the largest insulin pump programs in the Midwest.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.  Approximately 17 million people in the United States, or 6.2% of the population, have diabetes. While an estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.9 million people (or one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. There are three major types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes - Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes - Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Approximately 90-95% (16 million) have type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes - Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases in the United States each year.

For more information about diabetes, contact the Genesis Diabetes Care Center at 563-421-1061 or 800-765-1061 or call Genesis On Call at 421-2000 or 800-383-2575. Diabetes information is also available on the Genesis Health System Web site, www.genesishealth.com.