Diabetes Ten City Challenge

The Methods

The Methods

Diabetes Ten City Challenge expanded upon the success of the process of care model from Patient Self-Management Program for Diabetes. Interdisciplinary care teams, innovative payers, and aligned incentives were brought together in 10 different cities across the U.S. to improve health outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and reduce costs. 

 

Pharmacists' Patient Care Services

All ten cities participating in DTCC included pharmacists as an integral part of their diabetes care teams. More than 100 specially trained community pharmacists used the Patient Self-Management Credential to “coach” people on how to manage their diabetes, including setting goals, using medications properly, and tracking their condition consistently with indicators such as cholesterol tests, blood pressure, foot exams and eye exams.

 

Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams

Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams including pharmacists, diabetes educators and physicians were assembled in the community, educated about the program and compensated for their involvement. Team members communicated regularly to optimize patient care.

 

Innovative Payers and Sustainability

Self-insured employers invested in pharmacists' patient care services to help their employees manage all chronic conditions. Resources were allocated to prevention and monitoring, allowing for a reduction in treatment costs for complications of chronic disease. Positive health outcomes and cost savings justified the sustainability of the model.

 

Aligned Incentives

Employers contracted with the APhA Foundation to establish the program in their community, and align employee benefit incentives to encourage success. Co-payments for diabetes medications and related supplies typically were waived for patients who participated. Other incentives included counting participation toward wellness points and waiving copayments for education classes and/or laboratory tests.

 

>LEARN ABOUT THE RESULTS

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