Rural/Urban Disparities in Utilization of Diabetes Self-Management Training to the Fee-for-Service Medicare Population

Abstract

Overview of Key Findings In 2016, rural fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare beneficiaries represented 21.7% of the population diagnosed with diabetes, but only 2.7% of the population utilizing Diabetes Self-Management Training. Utilization of DSMT services in 2016 occurred in 76 rural counties and 309 urban counties. Average utilization rates of DSMT services were greater in rural counties than urban counties (5.5% vs. 2.5%).