Estimated Cost Savings: Everyone With Diabetes Counts (EDC) Program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• National disparities reduction programs aim to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.
• Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a key component of these initiatives.
• Previous research indicates the importance of targeted interventions for diverse and rural communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-savings of a pilot DSME program in West Virginia.
• To assess the impact of DSME on hospitalization rates among Medicare beneficiaries.
• To analyze the economic benefits of DSME for an underserved population.

Main Methods:

• A pilot DSME program was implemented as part of the Everyone with Diabetes Counts (EDC) initiative.
• A cohort of 422 DSME completers was frequency-matched to 1688 non-completers using Medicare claims data.
• Multivariable negative binomial regression models were used to estimate savings from reduced hospitalizations.

Main Results:

• DSME completers experienced a 29% reduction in hospitalizations compared to the control group (adjusted P < .0069).
• The program yielded estimated savings of $35,900 per 100 DSME completers.
• These findings highlight the significant impact of DSME on healthcare utilization and costs.

Conclusions:

• DSME is an effective intervention for reducing hospitalizations in individuals with diabetes, particularly within underserved populations.
• The West Virginia pilot program demonstrates a positive return on investment through decreased healthcare expenditures.
• Targeted DSME programs can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving overall health outcomes.