LA PLATA, Md. – University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM CRMC) has achieved the significant milestone of accreditation renewal by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). Accreditation represents a high level of quality and service to the community, and the ability to better meet the needs of Medicare recipients and others affected by diabetes in the Southern Maryland.

“UM CRMC, and particularly our Population Health team, has had a clear and consistent focus on providing high-quality care and education for people in our community who have diabetes, and this accreditation confirms that we are meeting that commitment,” said Noel Cervino, President and CEO.

The UM Charles Regional Center for Diabetes Education, , will be offering diabetes education sessions at 5 Garrett Avenue, La Plata, MD on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 am–5:00 pm, Tuesday 12:00–8:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am–4:00 pm by appointment only.

Diabetes education services utilize a collaborative process through which people with or at risk for diabetes work with a diabetes educator to receive individualized care to help them reach their health goals. Diabetes education is a covered Medicare benefit when delivered through an accredited program.

“Evidence shows diabetes education and support is helping people with diabetes to lower their A1c’s and obtain the knowledge and skills to better self-manage their condition,” said Sacha Uelmen, Director of Accreditation at ADCES. “That is why we need programs like UM Charles Regional’s to make these services available in their community.”

ADCES is a National Accredited Organization (NAO) for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Accredited programs must meet the 2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support; 10 standards that are revised every 5 years by a group of diabetes educators representing both ADCES and the American Diabetes Association and approved by CMS. Programs must maintain compliance with the Standards during the 4-year accreditation cycle