Impact of prospective payment on the role of the diabetes educator

This paper reports the results of a national survey undertaken to explore the impact of prospective payment on the role of the diabetes educator and on diabetes education. Responses were received from 903 individuals--756 diabetes educators and 147 hospital administrators. Study results indicate a need for diabetes educators to more aggressively shape their role and promote the provision of their services to better assure adequate education for those individuals diagnosed with diabetes.