Frequently Asked Questions
Is DASPA a diabetes certificate program?
No. DASPA is not a diabetes certificate program. DASPA provides participants with 9 hours of ACPE continuing education contact hours (0.9 CEUs) for the online program and 16 hours of ACPE continuing education contact hours (1.6 CEUs) for the live program. Ultimately, the DASPA program will provide pharmacists with extensive education and training to complete the steps required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for pharmacists to offer a recognized diabetes education program in their communities. CMS only acknowledges facilities accredited or "site recognized" to bill Part B for diabetes self-management education / training (DSME/T) services.
Does completion of the DASPA program allow me to bill Medicare Part B?
No. completion of the DASPA course is a step towards billing for reimbursement. Most payers, including Medicare, require a DSME/T program to be accredited to be eligible for reimbursement. After completing the DASPA course, the participant will be better prepared to implement the requirements needed to meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) for accreditation. When the pharmacist has prepared the facility for accreditation, then an application should be sent to an accrediting body such as AADE. Click here for more information on becoming an accredited program. Upon approval of your application, your program will become an accredited program that is eligible for reimbursement.
Please note that accreditation does not guarantee reimbursement. Although most payers require that a DSME/T program have accreditation, reimbursement criteria vary. Many private payers require that provider agreements be in place prior to providing reimbursement.
Do I have to complete the online DASPA program before attending the live DASPA program?
Participants should try to complete the online program prior to attending the live program if time allows. The online program provides the basic knowledge and skills to enhance a pharmacist's ability to work with patients with diabetes.
How many live courses will be offered each year?
The exact number of live programs will vary each calendar year. The online program will be offered continually.
Is DASPA a basic 101 diabetes education course?
No. The DASPA program assumes you have some clinical competency and basic understanding of the disease state. The DASPA program will review the components of basic care for patients with diabetes. The core component of the program is to teach participants how to build a successful diabetes education program which meets the National Standards for DSME and is eligible for accreditation.
Do you have to be a certified diabetes educator (CDE) to take the DASPA course?
No. This course is designed to instruct pharmacists and other appropriate health professionals who may not hold the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE®) credential or Advanced Diabetes Management certification on how to effectively provide diabetes self management education and training. A pharmacy can become an accredited DSME/T program without having a CDE on staff. It should be noted that at least one of the site instructors must be a pharmacist, registered nurse, or registered dietitian. Participants may use the experience hours gained by providing DSME/T in their accredited pharmacy as a stepping stone to meeting some of the credentialing/certification requirements.
Do I need to complete the DASPA program to apply for accreditation by AADE?
No. The DASPA program is not a requirement for becoming a Certified Provider of DSME/T. However, the program will provide participants with key tools and knowledge to use in the pharmacy and develop a practice that will be better prepared for the accreditation process. During the DASPA program, participants will learn to put together a practice that has the necessary components and documents to meet the National Standards for DSME. The program also teaches participants the business elements of operating a successful DSME/T program.
Our recommended course of action is a three step process:
1) Complete the online DASPA course
2) Attend a live DASPA course
3) Prepare and apply for accreditation by AADE
To be eligible for accreditation as a Diabetes Education Accreditation Program by AADE, the DSME/T program must provide out-patient services and have fully implemented the National Standards for DSME.
For more information about the AADE Diabetes Education Accreditation Program, visit: http://www.diabeteseducator.org/ProfessionalResources/accred/