Webinar: Diabetes Care Assessment, Planning, and Management during COVID-19

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 – 12:00-1:30 pm ET

Register here.

The physical distancing protocols associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult for health plans and providers to connect with individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in order to identify needs, develop care plans, and provide ongoing care coordination. Consistent care coordination is particularly important for people with diabetes — 23 percent of dually eligible beneficiaries aged 21-64, and 25 percent of dually eligible beneficiaries 65 and over [4] —  as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, or damage to the kidneys, eyes, and feet [5]. Additionally, emerging research indicates that those with diabetes are at increased risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19 [6]. These statistics only heighten the need for health plans and providers to strengthen strategies for successful diabetes assessment, planning, and management.

This webinar will feature speakers with expertise in diabetes care management who have adjusted approaches to diabetes care assessment, planning, and management since the onset of the pandemic. Speakers will address the use of telehealth in providing both clinical management and self-management education and support. They will also share concrete strategies for connecting people with diabetes to resources, including secure housing, food, medications, and diabetes management supplies. Finally, a person with diabetes will share their first-hand experience in managing their diabetes during the pandemic.

By the end of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• Describe the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on dually eligible individuals with diabetes, particularly those from communities of color
• Identify approaches to providing both clinical management and self-management education and support while adhering to physical distancing protocols
• Recognize barriers to telehealth for some members and identify ways to successfully overcome them
• Name strategies for effectively connecting members to resources and supports, including food, medications, and supplies, during COVID-19

Featured Speakers:

• Vivian Cheng, PharmD, BCPS, Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist; Talya Salant, MD, Interim Medical Director: Bowdoin Street Health Center
• Nicole Kohler, MS, CDCES, Clinical Design Specialist - Diabetes; Katie Sheridan, MSW, LSW, Supervisor, Medicare Case Management; Gateway Health
• Vivian Nnacho Ayuk, PharmD, CDCES, Chief Executive Officer; Sorogi
• Fontella Young, Consumer

Continuing Education Credits will be available for this webinar through the National Association of Social Workers at no cost to participants.