Having resources available in the rural areas is one of the biggest benefits of a medical program offered through Faith Regional Physician Services Wayne Family Medicine.
Megan Sokol, RN and Michaela Lunz, RN have been trained to provide Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES).
The program provides education on what diabetes is, the risks and complications associated with it, and how to better manage diabetes as a whole.
The two completed an online course through ADCES (Advanced Diabetes Care and Education Specialists) to become certified health coaches on diabetes. The course was funded through a grant from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
"We work with individuals and discuss what diabetes is, and lifestyle modifications that can be implemented to help them better manage it such as nutrition and physical activity. We also make sure they are up to date on their labs and immunizations," Lunz said.
"Part of the education process is determining the individual's biggest concerns and discuss lifestyle changes that may need to be made," Sokol said.
Approximately 90% of the patients we see are through provider referrals, although that is not always necessary.
Other ways we screen our patients is by running reports and filtering the results to follow up with patients who need to complete their labs and other screenings.
"Of those we work with, a majority of those are adults, although we have worked with adolescents as well," Lunz said.
All services provided are individualized to the patient and after determining what is needed, visits might be every 10-14 days or up to once a month.
"We help people with their medications and provide demonstrations on how to use them (injectables like Mounjaro/Ozempic and insulin). We are also part of a research study currently through UNMC that is working towards helping insurance companies better cover the cost of CGM's (continuous glucose monitors)," Sokol said.
While most of the education and work is done on an individual basis, group education is possible. The two said they have provided training with city of Wayne employees.
"We work closely with the providers and work together to come to a solution that is best for each individual," Lunz said.
"One of the biggest benefits of this program is that it is offered right here in Wayne. Patients don't have to leave town," Lunz said.
For more information on the program and services available, contact Faith Regional Physician Services Wayne Family Medicine at (402) 375-2500.
