New NCPA-AADE program gives community pharmacies expanded role in diabetes self-management training

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Community Pharmacists Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators announced a partnership that will expand counseling options for patients while offering community pharmacies a path to be compensated by Medicare and other insurers for diabetes management.

The NCPA-AADE partnership will allow community pharmacists to obtain the training to conduct intensive, comprehensive educational classes targeted to diabetes patients to ensure every measure is being incorporated to improve their health outcomes and ultimately lower costs, the organizations said. The training will be provided by AADE, the recognized leader in Diabetes Self-Management Education/Training, and NCPA.

After fulfilling the 16 hours of certified training, comprised of online and live training, the community pharmacist will be eligible to serve as an instructor within an accredited diabetes education program, It also provides the pharmacist with the opportunity to accumulate enough hours providing DSME/T to be eligible to take the certified diabetes educator exam.

Additionally, training will be provided on how to apply to become an accredited DSME/T program, which is necessary for reimbursement. In order to offer DSME/T, community pharmacists should have sufficient room for conducting classes. These can either be within their pharmacy or in such community settings as senior centers and assisted living homes.

“With each passing year the number of Americans with diabetes grows, along with the urgency to find proven solutions,” said Bruce Roberts, NCPA EVO and CEO. “In that vein, NCPA is excited to join with AADE to train community pharmacists to provide comprehensive and structured diabetes self-management services that will positively affect the lives of patients.”

The two associations introduced NCPA members to the DSME/T offering in a conference call Wednesday. The accreditation process is available on a limited basis and will be offered no more three times a year. The first opportunity will occur at NCPA’s 111th Annual Convention held from Oct. 17 to 21 in New Orleans, La.