Press Releases

NYC Health + Hospitals Recognized for High Quality Diabetes Care

17 of its sites received Gold status, the highest recognition, from the American Heart Association

Oct 16, 2023

New York, NY

NYC Health + Hospitals today announced all 11 of its hospitals and seven of its Gotham Health primary cares sites were recognized by the American Heart Association for their work in helping patients manage their diabetes. 17 sites received Gold status, the highest recognition, for having fewer than 25% of patients with poorly controlled diabetes – defined as A1C, or blood sugar levels, over 9% – while also maintaining hypertension control rates above 70%. This is the first year NYC Health + Hospitals has applied for this recognition, and the results highlight the high standard of care to manage diabetes at the health system.

“Diabetes can be a frightening condition, but it is entirely manageable with both lifestyle changes and medications, and our incredible primary care teams are here to help you through every step,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer Nichola Davis, MD. “We’ve made it simple to get tested for diabetes during your primary care appointment, and if you have diabetes, you’ll have a team of people on your side to help you achieve your treatment goals, including your provider and nurse as well as additional support from a clinical pharmacist, dietitian, community health worker, or even a peer mentor.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health remains committed to provide high quality care to all New Yorkers every day,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Chief Executive Officer Michelle Lewis. “Our diabetes care teams support patients and provide access to the latest treatments and care.”

“Addressing Type 2 diabetes management is key for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for Americans,” said Howard Haft, MD, MMM, CPE, FACPE, American Heart Association volunteer; consultant, senior medical advisor and adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and former executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program with the Maryland Department of Health. “The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize NYC Health + Hospitals for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to Type 2 diabetes.”

The sites won the following Target: Type 2 Diabetes awards from the American Heart Association this year:

Gold

• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
• NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens
• NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Belvis
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Brooklyn Neighborhood Health Centers
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Sydenham

Participant

• NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem

This is the first year NYC Health + Hospitals has applied for this recognition across the system. The results highlight the high standard of care for diabetes across primary care at NYC Health + Hospitals, including the following programs:

• Clinical Pharmacists in Primary Care – Clinical pharmacists are integrated members of primary care teams to help diabetes patients manage their medications.
• Treat to Target – Intensive nurse-led hypertension and diabetes management primary care program for patients who are above their target.
• Chronic Disease Outreach – Nurses and outreach staff contact over 1,000 patients each month with high blood pressure or diabetes to keep them engaged in primary care, with a focus on patients who are uncontrolled and do not have an upcoming visit scheduled.
• Public Health Corps Community Health Workers – Community Health Workers meet regularly with patients to identify and address barriers to health and well-being, such as housing, financial, food, and legal needs, as well as helping them schedule healthcare appointments and coordinate transportation.
• Teleretinal Screening in Primary Care – Primary care sites offer teleretinal screenings as part of a routine visit for patients with diabetes, instead of requiring a separate ophthalmology appointment.
• Peer Mentors a Phone Call Away – Peer mentors, people who manage their diabetes and are trained to help other patients, can help address each patient’s barriers related to the social determinants of health while inspiring healthy lifestyle behavioral changes.
• A Coach in Your Pocket Smartphone App – The app provides real-time, individualized coaching, reminders, and support, as well as educational tools that are personalized for each patient to monitor and manage their type 2 diabetes. The app offers medication tracking, blood glucose meters, labs, activity trackers, articles and videos, healthy recipes and access to the user’s care team.
• Text Messages and Support for Insulin Adjustment – The text-based program optimizes insulin dosing for patients who are on insulin.
• In-person Educational Support in Primary Care – This includes diabetes classes, one-on-one sessions, patient support groups, and dietitian support.

Nearly one million New Yorkers have diabetes, and about 19 percent are undiagnosed. New Yorkers with obesity are two times more likely as other adults to have diabetes. Adults living in high-poverty neighborhoods are also at least twice as likely to report having diabetes compared to adults living in low-poverty neighborhoods. The average medical expenditures for people with diagnosed diabetes are about $16,752 per year, with about $9,601 of this being attributed to diabetes management directly.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause blindness, kidney disease, and lower extremity amputations in adults. Most diabetes-related deaths are due to cardiovascular disease, and diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack or strokes. High blood pressure is an independent risk factor for these outcomes. Since it is common for patients with diabetes to have high blood pressure, it is even more critical to control blood pressure in patients with diabetes.

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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.