Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Diabetic Management Program

Technical Term: S9465 - Diabetic Management Program, Dietitian Visit

Summary

This procedure involves a visit to a dietitian as part of a comprehensive diabetic management program. The dietitian provides specialized counseling and guidance on dietary habits, meal planning, and nutrition to help manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed: Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)

Goals:

• To optimize blood glucose control
• To improve overall nutrition and health
• To prevent complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, and nephropathy.

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions:

• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Newly diagnosed diabetes
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Complications related to diabetes

Patient Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Patients who require assistance with dietary management to control blood glucose levels

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• No specific fasting required
• Patients may be asked to keep a food diary for a few days prior to the visit
• Bring a list of all current medications including dosages

Diagnostic Tests:

• Recent blood glucose levels
• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test results

Procedure Description

Steps Involved:

1. Initial Assessment: The dietitian reviews the patient's medical history, dietary habits, and current blood glucose control.
2. Dietary Counseling: The dietitian educates the patient on carbohydrate counting, glycemic index, and portion control, and provides personalized meal planning advice.
3. Goal Setting: Establishment of realistic and achievable dietary goals.
4. Follow-up Plan: The dietitian schedules follow-up visits to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the diet plan.

Tools and Equipment: Nutritional guides, food models, educational materials

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not applicable

Duration

Typically, a dietitian visit lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a hospital's nutritional counseling department.

Personnel

Healthcare Professionals Involved:

• Registered Dietitian
• Certified Diabetes Educator (if available)

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• None significant

Rare Risks:

• Potential dietary changes may lead to temporary gastrointestinal discomfort as the body adjusts

Management of Complications:

• Adjust dietary recommendations as needed based on patient feedback

Benefits

• Improved blood glucose control
• Enhanced understanding of the impact of diet on diabetes
• Reduction in the risk of diabetes-related complications
• Benefits often realized within a few weeks of consistent dietary changes

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels at home
• Adherence to the prescribed dietary plan

Expected Recovery Time:

• Continuous monitoring, lifelong dietary management is often required

Restrictions or Follow-up Appointments:

• Regular follow-up visits with the dietitian, typically every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently if needed

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• General dietary advice from a primary care physician
• Group diabetes education programs
• Pharmacotherapy for diabetes management

Pros and Cons:

• Individualized dietitian visit offers personalized, detailed advice compared to general dietary advice
• Group programs may be less personalized but provide peer support
• Medications address blood sugar levels directly but do not provide nutritional education

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Patients will engage in a detailed conversation and receive educational materials
• Should expect to participate actively in discussion and goal-setting

Post-Procedure:

• Patients may feel motivated and informed
• Some may initially find dietary changes challenging
• Pain management and comfort measures are not typically necessary

Overall, most patients leave with a clearer understanding of how to manage their diabetes through diet effectively.