Mercy’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center Gains Recognition

SPRINGFIELD — The Diabetes Self-Management Program at Mercy Medical Center’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center has again achieved Education Recognition status by the American Diabetes Association. The ADA awards this honor to diabetes education programs that meet national standards for excellence, in an effort to promote quality education for people with diabetes.

“Education is a key component of our program, allowing us to help patients manage their diabetes and prevent potential complications,” said Dr. Catherine M. Hegarty, medical director of the Diabetes and Endocrine Center. “Our ultimate goal is to help patients control their diabetes before it controls them.”

The center “is an outstanding resource for local patients with diabetes,” said Dr. James E. Fanale, Mercy’s COO. “After an initial diabetes diagnosis, patients want comprehensive information about the condition, and the ADA Web site is often a primary site for that information. Information about our program will now be included on the ADA Web site.”

Additionally, Dr. Eva Karacsonyi of Mercy’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center has been awarded Provider Recognition status in a program co-sponsored by the ADA and the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The Diabetes Physician Recognition Program assesses physicians on their performance on accepted measures of care, and had previously recognized Hegarty with the designation.