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Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 16, 2002 -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recognized five additional Renal Care Group (RCG) dialysis units for providing quality diabetes education, bringing the total number of recognized RCG units to 19.
Diabetes is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which RCG treats through dialysis. More than 40 percent of ESRD patients have diabetes.
ADA recognition assures that RCG’s educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self–Management Education. The recognition process requires a rigorous review by diabetes experts who evaluate each program on its ability to provide patients a comprehensive individualized education program. Programs that achieve recognition status have a team of knowledgeable health professionals able to provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.
“The clinical outcomes at these 19 units have been so positive for our patients that RCG is now expanding it to other units,” said Kathryn McDougall, RCG Director of Diabetes Programs. “We have found that the benefits to our patients far outweigh the costs.”
The RCG program started in 2000 as a pilot project at two dialysis units in Fort Wayne, Ind. The American Journal of Kidney Diseases (Sept. 2002) published results of the pilot showing increased patient satisfaction and quality of life; improved blood sugar control and diabetes self-management knowledge; and decreased diabetes-related hospitalizations and amputations.
“This program is an excellent example of how Renal Care Group can significantly improve our patients’ quality of life without a large financial investment,” said Dr. Stephen McMurray, the key driver of the Ft. Wayne program and one of RCG’s founding board members. “Something as simple as putting lotion on a patient’s feet can prevent ulceration and ultimately an amputation.”
The RCG program is conveniently provided in the familiar surroundings where these patients receive their dialysis services. A diabetes care coordinator works with the patients’ physician as well as a team including dialysis staff, dietitians, and social workers to encourage and facilitate diabetes self-management skills, blood sugar control, referrals for eye care, foot care and access to supplies such as special shoes or blood testing equipment.
Renal Care Group Inc. is a dialysis services company that provides care to patients with kidney disease. The company currently treats more than 19,700 patients through more than 250 owned outpatient dialysis facilities, in addition to providing acute dialysis services to more than 120 hospitals. More than 6,000 associates provide services across the company's 26-state network. Visit the company’s website at http://www.renalcaregroup.com for more information.
Contact:
Kathryn McDougall
615-345-5564
kmcdougall@renalcaregroup.com
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