Diabetes pathway slashes length of stay by 26%.

The diabetes pathway at Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX, developed alongside the diabetes program it complements, has cut health care costs for diabetic patients by 68% while also cutting readmissions by 33% and length of stay by 26%. Based on standards set by the Alexandria, VA-based American Diabetes Association, the pathway can be customized to meet the needs of each patient based on his or her level of risk of complications. One key to the success of the overall diabetes program was the establishment of a specially designed clinic that provides all necessary services for patients in a single location.