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• The diabetes team
• Referrals and reimbursement
  • Medicare
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Private health insurance
• Position statements
• Guidelines and standards
• National Association of Diabetes Centres (NADC)
• Publications

Referrals and reimbursement

Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) are the appropriate qualified providers of diabetes education. Diabetes education is distinct from the information and support provided by generalist health care professionals, and also from the discipline specific diabetes education that is provided by other key members of the diabetes team e.g. podiatrists or dietitians. 

Referrals

Credentialled Diabetes Educators work in all health care sectors; public hospitals and community health centres, private hospitals and specialist services, general practice and in their own independent private practice. 

In most instances, people with diabetes and their family can refer themselves to a CDE working in the public health sector and there is no charge for accessing the services. 

People with diabetes accessing consultations with CDEs located in a General Practitioner’s surgery or in their own private rooms, can also self-refer. However, a fee for service applies, but reimbursements may be available as described below.

Reimbursements

Medicare Australia

People with diabetes can claim a rebate from Medicare Australia for the consultation fee for diabetes education provided by a CDE.  However, certain criteria apply and persons with diabetes should discuss their eligibility with their General Practitioner or Diabetes Specialist. To learn more about these eligibility criteria, please click here.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognises diabetes education provided by a CDE for eligible veterans who have diabetes. To learn more about eligibility, please click here.

Private Health Insurance

Credentialled Diabetes Educators have been recognised as the appropriately qualified health care professionals to provide diabetes education to Australians who have purchased health insurance cover which includes rebates for services provided by allied health care professionals.  For more information, please click here.

However, not all private health insurers offer insurance products which include reimbursement for diabetes education. To read more about this issue, please click here.