ALH Diabetes Referral

As a GP, you play a central role in managing your patients' health. When it comes to diabetes, a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) is an invaluable partner in delivering comprehensive, person-centered care. This information sheet outlines the key benefits of referring your patients to a CDE as an integral part of their annual cycle of care.

What is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)?

A ‘CDE’ is a registered health care professional (HCP) who has undertaken specialised training in diabetes care and education. A CDE may have a background in nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, medicine, podiatry, optometry, dietetics, physiotherapy, exercise physiology or a registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner. CDE’s help individuals and their families to understand and self-manage their diabetes effectively, covering areas such as glucose monitoring, technology integration, healthy food choices, active lifestyle, medication management, and strategies for preventing complications.¹

How a CDE enhances diabetes care

Partnering with a CDE goes beyond simple patient education. CDEs are experts in empowering patients to effectively manage their diabetes day by day, leading to better health outcomes and a reduced burden on your practice.

Empowering Patient Self-Management CDEs focus on building a patient's confidence and skills for daily diabetes management. They provide practical, one-on-one education on a range of essential topics.¹

Person-Centred Approach: A CDE tailors their approach to each patient's unique needs. They work to translate complex medical information into simple, actionable strategies that fit into a patient's daily life.¹

Seamless Collaboration CDEs act as a crucial link in your patient's diabetes healthcare team. They provide a coordinated approach by collaborating with you.^2,3

Proactive Management and Prevention By focusing on early intervention and education, CDEs help patients understand and mitigate the risk of long-term diabetes complications.¹

When should you refer to a CDE for person-centered diabetes education health service?

• New diagnosis of diabetes - this service includes NDSS registration where applicable
• Development of diabetes related complications²
• Commencing or changing of Insulin or other injectables
• Blood glucose monitoring and self management education
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
• Changes to prescribed oral glucose lowering medication
• Suboptimal glycaemic control
• Diabetes education required in the context of family planning, pregnancy, and the postnatal period³

Medicare Rebates

Medicare rebates are available for CDE consultations. To ensure your patients can access these rebates, simply provide a referral under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.4 By partnering with a CDE you can empower your patients to take control of their health, leading to better long-term outcomes and a more efficient, collaborative model of care.