I want to start a DSME program at my practice. How do I begin?

Resources are available to help start your own DSME program.

Beginning a DSME/DSMES program in your practice is a significant undertaking. In addition to many practical and organizational considerations, the certification process can take 12 months or longer to complete. But starting a program can also yield considerable benefits for you, your patients, and your business.

Many different resources are available to help you start a DSME program, but the most comprehensive come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the CDC’s DSMES Toolkit, you will find information about:

  • National DSMES service standards.
  • The accreditation and recognition process.
  • Service staffing and delivery models.
  • Reimbursement and sustainability.
  • Marketing and promotion.

Access CDC DSMES toolkit >