FAQs
- What is Inova Diabetes Center
- Where is Inova Diabetes Center located?
Is there a fee for your services? - Does my insurance cover your services?
- Do you have physicians at your center? Can you recommend an endocrinologist?
- Do I need paperwork from my doctor to attend a class or schedule a consultation? Can I purchase medication and supplies at your center?
- What about blood glucose monitoring. Do I need to do this?
- My family member has diabetes and
does not speak English. Can
I serve as interpreter during a class or consultation?
- I have diabetes. What can I eat?
What is Inova Diabetes Center?
Inova Diabetes Center offers a variety of programs that provide
comprehensive, high-quality education and support for people living with diabetes in Northern
Virginia and the D.C. metro area.
We offer both basic and in-depth educational services for adults and children with type
1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes. Our programs have been recognized by the American
Diabetes Association. For more information on our programs, click here.
Where is Inova Diabetes Center located?
We have four locations in Northern Virginia. For the center closest to
you, click here.
Is there a fee for your services?
Yes. When you attend a program at Inova Diabetes Center,
the fee is based on the type of program you participate in. For
most group classes or individual consultations, we bill directly to
your insurance company. Co-payments, if applicable, are due at the time of your visit. An
exception is our Pre-diabetes Program, which is self-pay and paid at the time of registration. For more financial
information, please click here.
Does my insurance cover your services?
Insurance coverage varies among companies. To find out if your
insurance company covers diabetes classes, programs or
consultations, call your plan's Customer Service number
and inquire if diabetes self-management training is covered.
Our program is an outpatient hospital service. Most services require a written order or prescription from your doctor, with the exception of the Pre-diabetes Program. In addition, some health insurance plans require pre-authorization before diabetes self-management services will be covered.
Click here for the Order Form for Diabetes
Education
to take to your physician.
Do you have physicians at your center?
No. Our staff consists of nurses and dietitians who are certified
diabetes educators. We do believe in the team management approach
to care and will communicate directly with your physician.
Can you recommend an endocrinologist?
We do not make physician recommendations. Inova HealthSource
offers a physician referral service to help you find a physician in your
area. You can search for a physician online by clicking
here or you can contact Inova HealthSource
at 703-750-8800.
Do I need paperwork from my doctor to attend a
class or schedule a consultation?
Inova Diabetes Center requires an order form or prescription from
your doctor in order to provide you with the appropriate diabetes
education or training. A physician prescription should clearly state
your name, diabetes diagnosis and be signed by the physician. Click here for the Order Form for Diabetes
Education
to take to your
physician.
Some insurance companies also require a letter of medical necessity to cover our services. Check with your insurance company. (The Pre-diabetes Program does not require a physician order.)
Can I purchase medication and supplies at your center?
No, medication and supplies should be obtained through the
prescription plan associated with your medical insurance. Some
plans have a contract with a mail order pharmacy or you may use
local pharmacies for your prescriptions. For Medicare patients we
recommend a home delivery service for greater convenience and
uninterrupted service.
What about blood glucose monitoring?
Do I need to do this?
We recommend self blood glucose monitoring to all individuals
with diabetes. We offer training for self blood glucose monitoring in
all of our educational services.
My family member has diabetes and does
not speak English. Can I serve as interpreter during a class or consultation?
Inova Diabetes Center will provide either an onsite interpreter
or a language-line interpreter for all participants who request it.
An adult family member or friend is welcome to accompany a participant to
any diabetes program.
I have diabetes. What can I eat?
The good news is there are no restricted foods on our meal
plans for people with diabetes. Learning how to be smart
about what you eat, however, is important for good health.
Our registered dietitians will guide you in learning how to
properly count carbohydrates, maintain portion control and
meet any special dietary needs you have.
