Diabetes – it can be a scary word, but if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, help is available at St. James Mercy Hospital. St. James offers a diabetes education and support program to help individuals and their families learn how to better manage their disease and lead a better quality of life. Here are some of the most common questions about the program:
What is Diabetes Education?
Diabetes Education helps patients and their families learn how to better manage their disease and lead a better quality of life. We focus on areas such as
- nutritional management
- medications
- glucose monitoring
- physical activity
- acute and chronic complications
- psychological issues
- and goal setting/ problem solving
Who should attend?
Our Program is designed for people who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, those who have prediabetes, and people who have difficulty controlling their disease or are experiencing changes in their health. Services are also available for women with gestational diabetes.
Where is the Program located?
One-on-one visits are provided at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell (ground floor Nutrition office). Group sessions are held in the Hospital’s Memorial Conference Room (ground floor, adjacent to the cafeteria).
Who leads the Program?
All sessions are conducted by a Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietitian with extensive training in diabetes. Our Program is modeled after the American Association of Diabetic Educators and the American Diabetes Association.
Will my insurance cover the cost?
We will bill your insurance company for nutritional counseling services, which are covered by some but not all insurance plans. You should contact your insurance provider before joining the Program. We can also help verify coverage and/or provide financial assistance to those who need it...call our Financial Counseling Services at (607) 324-8030.
How do I get started?
Simply ask your primary care provider for a referral and have him or her fax it to (607) 324-8239. Then one of the Diabetes Program clinicians will call you to schedule your initial assessment.
How do I find out more?
To see how the Diabetes Education Program can help you and your family live a better quality of life, call (607) 324-8787.
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Patient Resources
Diabetes Education Brochure (PDF)
Diabetes Services Order Form (PDF)
Medical Nutrition Therapy Referral form (PDF)
www.diabetes.org/
Bonnie Button, RN, Achieves Certified Diabetes Educator Status (PDF)
Coordinator
Bonnie Button, RN, CDE
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