Our overall objective was to use all of the elements of the Chronic Care Model.

We wanted to first gain UPMC administrative support. Our goal was to demonstrate to our leadership the value of DSME by demonstrating improvements in A1C levels for the health of their patients. Our health system also owns its own insurer and every drop in A1C level also translates into savings.

We also wanted to show financial sustainability, to gain their commitment for continued support in maintaining our recognition application and staff and demonstrate that we could increase access by expanding the number of programs and reach to the UPMC primary care practitioners.