Briefly...

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Apr 06, 2023

Study: New Screening Recommendations Identify More Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes

A new 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation to screen asymptomatic adults for diabetes starting at a younger age is expected to identify more patients with prediabetes or diabetes, according to a newly published study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The 2021 recommendation lowered the screening age from 40 years old to 35 years old.

“The criteria will identify more adults with prediabetes and diabetes in all racial and ethnic groups than the 2015 criteria [which recommended screening starting at age 40],” the study concluded. “Screening all adults aged 35-70 exhibited even higher sensitivity and performed most similarly by race and ethnicity, which may further improve early detection of prediabetes and diabetes in diverse populations.”

---

Noridian to Host Support Surfaces Webinar

Noridian Provider Outreach and Education is hosting a Webinar on Pressure-Reducing Support Surfaces (Groups 1 and 2) on May 2. Webinar topics will include coverage criteria for Groups 1 and 2; prior authorizations; documentation requirements; coding and billing for the two Groups; and pressure injury stages. Go to the Schedule of Events page for more information on Noridian Provider Outreach Webinars and for registration information. 

---

United Spinal Calls for Wheelchair Denial Stories

United Spinal Association is collecting accounts of people whose wheelchair claims have been denied. In a March 31 bulletin, United Spinal said, “There is always power in numbers. Our collected stories will illustrate how many people are negatively impacted by coverage restrictions. They will give us tools to demonstrate why all wheelchair users must be able to obtain the equipment they need.”

Stories can be shared here, with consumers being asked to describe their current equipment, the equipment that was denied, and an image of the denial letter.