For Immediate Release: Jan. 18, 2011

Grady Recognized for Diabetes Management Program by the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems

Contact: Denise Simpson
Phone: (404) 616-6855
E-mail: dsimpson@gmh.edu

The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems has recognized the Diabetes Center within the Grady Health System for their use of technology in the Diabetes Management Program. Grady Health System was awarded honorable mention in the category for "Using Health Information Technology to Advance Performance Improvement." This award recognizes an organization using health information technology (HIT) to improve the care of a specific patient population or effectively coordinate care for patients.

"The Diabetes Management Feedback Program at the Grady Diabetes Center helps us reach beyond our walls and better assist the 20,000 Grady patients affected by this disease," Dr. David Ziemer, Medical Director of the Grady Diabetes Center. "Healthcare technology has helped primary care physicians analyze and improve their own practice habits. We’re proud this performance feedback program has been acknowledged by NAPH, in addition to improving diabetes control for the Grady primary care patients."

The Grady Diabetes Center cannot possibly see all of the diabetes patients within the health system as often as necessary. The Diabetes Management Feedback Program is a partnership between primary care physicians, specialists and IT personnel allowing improved care for patients. The technology component allows people in multiple locations to log and track pertinent patient information such as glucose levels, weight, blood pressure and lipids during their regular doctor visits. Reports are created which help care providers realize trends in their treatment and practice habits while also allowing analysis of everything from a patient’s medication changes and responses, frequency of visits and standard care items such as foot exams or renal and retinal screening.

Diabetes is one of the most common, serious, and costly chronic diseases in Georgia. In a state-by-state review of diabetes in adults by the Centers for Disease Control, Georgia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the U.S. with ten percent of the population affected. Within the Grady patient population, it stands at more than 12 percent (12.3%). People with diabetes also have a disproportionately large financial impact at Grady; incurring twice the cost of other patients.

More than 24 million people have diabetes in the U.S. and another 57 million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition putting people at increased risk for the disease. The CDC projects diabetes will increase to 48.3 million by 2050. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country and 4th leading cause of death among African Americans. Diabetes doubles the risk of heart disease and is the leading cause of new blindness, kidney failure and non-traumatic lower extremity amputations.

Proper management and lifestyle changes can prevent most complications of diabetes. At Grady, the Diabetes Center is countering this growing problem with a multifaceted approach which includes the Diabetes Management Feedback Program recognized by the NAPH. The Grady Diabetes Center’s comprehensive services also include eye screening, foot care, nutritional and lifestyle educations, pharmacy evaluation, community outreach, a diabetes patient registry and a nationally recognized diabetes self-management education program.

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.

The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.

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