I'm not sure why it took me so long to find this program. Lately, I have felt the need to refresh myself. Sometimes, even with diabetes for so long, I feel like I can know nothing, then one minute I am am a specialist...


If anyone has heard of this program and has any feedback, I'd love to hear, as I am seriously considering this but I know it's very expensive.


After some advice from a doctor, I decided to investigate and I loved what I found. I was quickly provided with lots of information after emailing the contact person. This is what they sent me and more. If you'd like me to forward you info you can email me as well. authoroftheld@gmail.com

Diabetes Outpatient Intensive Treatment (DO IT) Description

Tune-up your diabetes management at Joslin Clinic’s DO IT Program

Whether you were diagnosed years ago or just recently, whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you know that with good strategies for nutrition, exercise and medication, you can enjoy better health, experience far fewer medical complications, and significantly increase the quality of your life.

This popular 4 consecutive day comprehensive program of medical care, personal training and group seminars is designed for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Included in the program is a physical assessment as well as small group and individual sessions with a nurse educator, registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and social worker.

If you have a challenge, such as a physical disability we need to be informed.

The DO IT Program is usually conducted Monday through Thursday and is conducted exclusively in our Boston location.

What You Will Do in DO IT
Assessment

On the first day of the program (Monday), you are assessed individually in one-on-one appointments by the DO IT team, which includes a staff endocrinologist, a nurse educator, a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist. Although you will have laboratory work done on the first day, please do not fast on the first day of the program. Follow your regular routine on the first day. There is also an introductory meeting for all participants and their guests, conducted by a member of the Joslin Mental Health Department.

On days 2, 3 and 4, individual consultations with the DO IT physician, lectures and group exercise sessions are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On each of these three days you eat breakfast, lunch and snacks at Joslin Clinic.

We strongly encourage you to bring a guest (spouse, relative, and friend) who can learn about the challenges of managing diabetes and become part of your support team. Other than meals, there are no additional costs for your guest. Included in the program is a support group for all guests conducted by a social worker.

Participants also receive digital imaging of their retinas for diabetic eye disease using the Joslin Vision Network (JVN) technology. This does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam.

Consults
A comprehensive eye exam with a staff ophthalmologist experienced in diabetes eye care, is available upon request. Any other consultations may be ordered by the DO IT physician, if deemed necessary. We try to schedule any additional consultations around the DO IT schedule so that you will not miss any lectures or exercise sessions.

What Is the Cost?
While many insurance payers cover much of the cost of the DO IT program, we advise you to call your individual insurance carrier about your plan’s coverage. There is, however, an out-of-pocket expense of $500 for each participant for non medical services within the program that are not billable to insurance. A list of these services follows on page five.

Patients are responsible for:
• The $500 out of pocket fee
• Co-pays required by your insurance, which may include one co-pay for each MD office visit and each day of education
• Deductibles or co-insurances assigned by your insurance.
• Services not covered by your insurance





Education Fee~ Diabetes Self Management Training
This fee is based on the intensity of your medical needs and includes the services of the DO IT nurse educator, registered dietitian and exercise physiologist. 18 hours of diabetes education using billing codes G0108 and G0109.
Estimated educational charges are $2274.

Total DO IT charges for medical services generally are $3200.

If you have insurance coverage, all of your medical services will be billed to your insurance carrier. You are responsible for co-payments, deductibles, and balances after insurance. Managed care plans require referrals and co-payments for medical office visits as well as education classes. We strongly advise that you contact your insurance carrier to verify coverage for this program.



DO IT Program Non-Medical Services and Fees (May, 2005)

The following non medical services are not billable to any insurance carrier and are included in the out-of-pocket expense of $500:

• Meals $90.00
• Books $92.00
• Research Lecture $26.50
• Support Groups Session (including guests) $69.00
• Official Joslin Clinic DO IT Tote Bag $15.00
• Pedometer $20.00
• Stretching Bands $37.50
• 6 months telemedicine $150.00 (6 months at $25 per month)
Total $500



What You Will Eat
Please follow your regular routine before coming into Joslin Clinic on your first day. Please have breakfast and please take all medications. We will provide lunch. You should be prepared to eat dinner and your evening snack on your own each day.

Participants have breakfast, lunch and snacks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the clinic. If your guest joins you for your DO IT meals, there is an additional fee of $155.

What You Will Leave With
At the conclusion of the program, you will receive a summary letter, one for you and one for your physician at home and/or Primary Care Physician (PCP), detailing what you’ve accomplished in the program, any changes made to your regimen, as well as any other significant findings. You’ll also receive a laboratory summary for you and your PCP.




DO IT Program Tuesday through Thursday Schedule
Your Monday schedule will be sent to you with your confirmation letter.

Tuesday
7:30am: Patient Lab on 2nd Floor
Check-in with DO IT Team nurse
Choose from Buffet Breakfast
Exercise Video
8:00am: Matching Insulin to Carb: Per MD order
8:40am: Introduction
8:45am: Diabetes…the Facts
10:00am: Food for Thought
11:00am: Exercise Session in Fitness Center
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Medications
2:00pm: Exercise Your Heart
3:00pm: Skills Training/Check out with Case Manager

Wednesday
7:30am: Check –in with DO IT Staff~3rd Floor
Choose from Breakfast Buffet
BGAT per order of MD
8:30am: What Goes Up Must Come Down (part 1)
9:00am: Research Lecture
10:00am Research Tour
10:15am: Muscle and Bone Tune–up
11:15am: Making Healthy Food Choices”
12:15pm: Lunch
1:15pm: Responding to Blood Glucose
2:15pm: Exercise Session in Fitness Center/Family Support Session
3:15pm: Skills Training/Check out with Case Manager

Thursday
7:30am: Check-in with DO IT Staff~3rd Floor
Choose from Breakfast Buffet
8:30am What Goes Up Must Come Down (part 2)
9:00am: Exercise Session in Fitness Center
10:00am: Eating for a Healthy Heart
11:00am: Ways to Invest in Your Health”
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Jeopardy
2:00pm: You Did It! Bringing it All Together
3:00 pm: Check-out with Case Manager

Even if you haven't heard of this program before, what are your thoughts on it? Does it sound worth it?

To me, it sounds like exactly what I need.

They have a convincing list of "WHY DO IT?"

In following up on people who have gone through the DO IT program, we’ve found:

* Their A1C results have improved by an average of almost 1.5 points. Those with the greatest risk of complications—with A1C readings greater than 10—reduced their levels an average of 2.75 points in the first 3-6 months.
* The number of their emergency room visits and hospitalization was cut in half the first year.
* The time lost from work or school was reduced by 43 percent the first year.

There are lots of books, brochures and articles filled with diabetes advice. But your path to better glucose control is going to be unique to you.

Is this the answer I've been looking for?