The Primary Care Physician and Diabetes Mellitus: The Role for Disease Management

Abstract

Diabetes is a prevalent, chronic disease that is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, resource utilization, and costs. Most patients with diabetes in the United States are cared for by family practitioners or general internists. This article reviews the needs and standards of care for patients with diabetes, as well as the status of the quality of care currently being provided to people with diabetes by both primary care and subspecialty physicians. The role of the primary care provider as the pivotal member in the health care delivery team is discussed, as well as disease management options that may play a role in increasing the quality of care for patients with diabetes. Three primary care-based disease management models are reviewed. Utilizing the primary care physician as captain of a health care team along with a disease management approach that promotes population-based strategies and agreed upon protocols may improve health and health care delivery for patients with diabetes.