DME providers can help physicians manage diabetes population, study finds

DALLAS – The No. 1 reason physicians cite for not prescribing a continuous glucose monitor is its complexity, a roadblock that DME providers can help clear, according to a new study from CCS. 

That complexity, along with a surge in the number of diabetes patients, leaves primary care physicians and endocrinologists feeling overwhelmed and not able to keep up-to-date on technology, and, ultimately, struggling to offer enough health coaching and education to their patients. That creates an opportunity for DME providers to step in, says Arti Masturzo, MD, chief medical officer for CCS, which recently collaborated with independent market research firm PureSpectrum on “From Burnout to Breakdown: Why America’s Healthcare System Is Failing Patients Living with Diabetes and Providers Alike.” 

“I think we’re just beginning to recognize that these people need more support and when you have a DME provider, the biggest difference is you get that unboxing experience, where you aren’t just getting your device (you’re also getting education and support),” Masturzo said. 

To conduct the study, CCS and PureSpectrum surveyed more than 100 PCPs and 100 endocrinologists in the U.S. 

Eighty-five percent of endocrinologists and 58% of PCPs feel overwhelmed by the increasing number of patients with diabetes, demonstrating that many are not in a position to properly support the ongoing education and coaching needs of people living with diabetes, the study found. 

“Physicians said the surge is causing them to spend more time educating themselves on these devices and new modalities and that in itself is contributing to burnout,” said Masturzo. “You’ve also got PCPs saying they are handling patients they don’t feel qualified to.” 

Fortunately, physicians recognize the benefits a DME can provide, with nearly three quarters saying they prefer to refer to DMEs, rather than pharmacies. But that’s been challenging, as state Medicaid programs attempt to move continuous glucose monitors to a pharmacy-only benefit, something Masturzo says hampers patient access and, ultimately, outcomes. 

“With the pharmacy route, you write a script and then it’s gone,” she said. “You have no idea if it got fulfilled or if the patient is using it.” 

• Related: CGM bill aims to preserve two-channel benefit.