Diabetes self-management training
covers outpatient diabetes self-management training (DSMT) if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
Medicare may cover up to 10 hours of initial DSMT – 1 hour of individual training and 9 hours of group training. You may also qualify for up to 2 hours of follow-up training each year if it takes place in a calendar year after the year you got your initial training.
You pay 20% of the
, and the Part B
applies.
Note
Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them.
DSMT teaches you to cope with and manage your diabetes. The program may include tips for eating healthy, being active, monitoring blood sugar, taking drugs, and reducing risks.
You must have a written order from your doctor or qualified non-doctor practitioner.
Some exceptions apply if group sessions aren’t available or if your doctor or qualified non-doctor practitioner says you have special needs that would be better met by individual training sessions.
If you’re in a rural area, you may be able to get DSMT services from a practitioner, like a Registered Dietitian, in a different location through telehealth.