Our Diabetes Self-Management Education Program Can Help You

Take Control of Your Diabetes

Vanguard Medical Group offers a personalized diabetes education program which is fully accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Our diabetes education provides the tools and knowledge you need to manage type 2 diabetes. Work with our certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) and registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to build a plan that is tailored to your individual needs – including personalized recommendations, blood glucose monitoring instructions and help finding the most cost-effective medication.

Managing diabetes is a lifetime commitment, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy life while monitoring your condition. Keep reading to learn more about our diabetes self-management classes, blood glucose monitoring support and other available programs.

Diabetes Self-Management Education

Services include diabetes and pre-diabetes counseling, weight loss counseling and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Once held in person only, the program is now virtual! Our highly trained and dedicated staff will provide you with the tools, education and support you need to feel better and lower your risk for serious health problems. Put the power to control diabetes back in your hands through programs that focus on self-management. Participants in our diabetes education classes often see their A1C levels decrease and no longer need to be on insulin.

Self-management classes can help you:

• Learn to prevent or manage your diabetes
• Understand the diabetes process
• Become an expert at monitoring your blood sugar levels
• Learn how to take your medication properly
• Make healthy eating choices
• Motivate yourself to stay fit and active
• Provide the most effective personalized care

Education Services Offered

Diabetes Group Education Sessions – Patients who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes patients and patients who have been living with diabetes for years can benefit from the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program.

Our accredited program can:

• Improve your blood sugar and A1C levels
• Keep your blood pressure on target
• Manage your cholesterol numbers
• Improve your lifestyle

As a chronic condition, diabetes is often misunderstood. Because of this, our diabetes education starts with the basics. This includes explaining how the body produces insulin and how the body breaks down sugars. Diabetes care is extremely comprehensive and involves more than just knowing “the right foods to eat.” As a chronic disease, diabetes involves multiple components; this can generate stress and become difficult to cope with.

A typical session of DSME involves:

• Helping you understand how diabetes affects your body
• Explaining how your diabetes medication works
• Planning the best food and meals for you and your budget
• Offering tips to help you cope with stress
• Explaining how diabetes is treated
• Discussing how to prevent the long-term effects and complications

We offer classes fully virtual or in person in our Verona, Grove Avenue location with our registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). Our RDN will set up an initial consultation to better identify your individual needs. Recommendations will be made, and you’ll be guided through the entire education curriculum.

Blood Glucose Monitoring – Monitoring your blood glucose can be an important part of managing your diabetes. Our pharmacist and CDCES will educate you on:

• When and how to monitor your blood glucose
• Which method of monitoring is best for you
• Which meter is the best and most cost-effective for you
• Which medications are best for your lifestyle

Other Services Offered

Individual Sessions

• One-on-one with our RDN (registered dietitian nutritionist)
• Initial assessment and MNT (medical nutrition therapy) provided in an individual session
• Time with our RDN for accountability and goal setting

Gestational Diabetes Counseling 

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Approximately 50% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes go on to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Women with diagnosed gestational diabetes increase their risk of having a large baby that requires a cesarean section and of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

• Individualized counseling provided by our RDN
• Counseling sessions provide blood glucose monitoring and guidance for proper weight gain during pregnancy
• Meal planning

Nutritional Counseling and Programs

In addition to DSME, our RDN offers a wide variety of nutritional services, including nutritional counseling that can be used to treat and manage:

• Obesity
• Weight loss
• Chronic diseases
• Allergies and food sensitivities

To learn more about our nutrition services, please visit our webpage.

FAQs

What is a typical group session like?

A typical group session will be held on Zoom, led by our CDCES instructor. Each session will focus on a specific topic while involving goal setting and achievements for every person in the group. This is a great opportunity to get all your questions answered – others may have questions you would not normally think to ask. A group session can be very beneficial.

What is a typical individual session like?

An individual session is one-on-one with our instructor, focusing on what to implement in your daily routine for greater health outcomes. Often our patients explain that they have some knowledge of nutrition but do not take the initiative to follow through.

Can I ask my own questions?

Of course! We encourage our patients to have full trust in us and to hold us accountable when it comes to their health. We are here to provide you with all the tools and resources necessary to make positive lifestyle changes.

How long is each group session, and is there a commitment to attend each one?

Each group session is approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on the number of participants. Although our diabetes curriculum is a few weeks long, there is no commitment to attend every session.

Diabetes Care You Can Trust

Our goal is to provide the most effective personalized care for you and your family. By discussing your concerns with your doctor and creating a personalized prevention plan, you will be well on your way to better health. The primary care doctors at Vanguard Medical Group help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes every day.

Current Vanguard Medical Group patients living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should talk to their primary care physician about DSME. Contact your local office and ask to be connected with our certified diabetes care and education specialist. Not a patient of Vanguard Medical Group? You can still join our program! Just request a referral from your primary care physician to participate.

When it comes to keeping your heart in good shape, healthy habits are the key. They will help to strengthen your heart, improve its functionality, and prevent heart disease before it strikes. In New Jersey, Vanguard Medical Group’s board-certified cardiologist, Manish Bhalodia, MD, FACC, assists our patients in pursuing a healthy lifestyle that will support better heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease. Here, we provide some of our best advice for ensuring and improving your overall heart health.

Adhere to a Healthy Diet

A healthy heart begins with your diet. Certain foods increase your risk of heart disease, while others deliver nutrients that strengthen your heart and keep its beat strong. When planning meals, prioritize the following food types which will also help you manage your cholesterol levels.

• Whole grains and cereal products high in fiber
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding fruit juices and canned fruits
• Low-fat proteins, including poultry, fish, nuts, eggs, and legumes
• Unsaturated fats, like olive oil or canola oil

Meanwhile, limit or avoid your consumption of red meats that are high in saturated fat. Also avoid sodium and alcohol, which both contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Finally, control your portion size – your plate’s quantity has just as much of an impact on your heart as its quality.

Develop Good Sleep Habits

Sleep is essential to your long-term health and well-being. Patients who sleep too little face the risk of rising blood pressure, cardiovascular inflammation, and even a stroke or heart attack. To keep your heart – and body – healthy, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, seek treatment promptly and take all medications as prescribed to ensure that your body gets the rest it needs.

Stay Active

The heart is a muscle, meaning it requires regular exercise to maintain its strength and endurance, just like any other muscle. Without regular physical activity, your heart cannot pump as powerfully or efficiently, eventually becoming weaker and more vulnerable to disease. Keep your heart healthy by performing moderate intensity activities such as brisk walking, biking, and swimming for a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Alternatively, 75 minutes per week is recommended for vigorous intensity like running, biking 10 miles per hour, or singles tennis.

Research shows, however, that exercise isn’t the only factor in keeping your heart strong. Staying seated for long periods is a risk for your heart, regardless of the other activities you participate in. If you work a sedentary job, for instance, find ways to move throughout the day by dividing your long break into shorter ones, as well as standing and stretching for a few minutes per hour. You may also consider a standing work station so you can alternate between sitting and standing on the job.

Manage Your Stress

Stress is common and has a significant impact on heart health. Chronic stress raises your heart rate and blood pressure, exhausting the cardiovascular system and increasing your risk of heart disease. To mitigate this risk, develop a set of stress-management habits to help you feel less overwhelmed while keeping your blood pressure low. Try incorporating some of the following ideas:

• Establish a tension-soothing routine involving exercise, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Maintain a rich social life with friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances.
• Reduce your caffeine intake as much as possible.
• Avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle.
• Give yourself regular breaks.

Seek Preventative Care

Finally, an expert cardiologist can deliver preventative care to detect and treat heart conditions before they become dangerous. At Vanguard Medical Group, our board-certified cardiologist, Manish V. Bhalodia, MD, FACC is located in our Bloomfield Avenue, Verona office, as well as our Grove Avenue, Verona and Glen Ridge locations. He is accepting patients from across New Jersey. He will take the time to get to know you and your medical history to ensure a high level of personalized care to help you maintain optimal heart health. Telemedicine appointments are available for some medical concerns and conditions. Click here to request an appointment or call 973.233.4493 for more information.

Diabetes Prevention

More than one million people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year in the United States, and 34.5% are currently diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious negative health consequences, and it’s important to take precautionary steps to stay healthy and minimize your risk. If you’ve been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, or your primary care doctor believes you’re at risk for developing it, keep reading to learn how you can prevent type 2 diabetes.

What are the Risk Factors?

Some people are more likely to develop diabetes than others. By understanding the risk factors – and managing them when possible – you’ll be better prepared to keep diabetes at bay. Common risk factors include, but  are not limited to, the following:

• All adults over the age of 45 – The risk for type 2 diabetes tends to increase with age, yet patients of any age can be diagnosed, including children.
• Adults who are overweight –
  • Body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 25
  • BMI equal to or greater than 23 in Asian Americans
• History of cardiovascular disease
• First-degree relative with diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Habitual physical inactivity/sedentary lifestyle
• History of gestational diabetes
• HTN > 140/90 or on hypertension medications
• A1c > 5.7%
• Family history of diabetes – If type 2 diabetes and/or pre-diabetes run in your immediate family, you may be at higher risk.
• Sedentary lifestyle – You don’t spend enough time exercising, and you exercise less than three times per week.
• Gestational diabetes – Pregnant women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes have increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
• PCOS – Women with PCOS also have increased risk for becoming diabetic.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it’s important to take action. With help from your primary care doctor and our registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), you can learn how to correctly manage your health and eventually lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. As your doctor gets to know you, he or she will learn what works best for you and will be able to guide you in the right direction.

How Can I Prevent Diabetes?

Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. This is because when you have too much fatty tissue, your body has trouble responding to insulin. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to eat a healthier diet and increase your activity. For starters, try walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and cut back on sugary drinks and snacks. You can discuss personalized diet and fitness plans with our RDN to find one that best fits your needs.

For women with PCOS, another way to prevent type 2 diabetes is by managing your condition. At Vanguard Medical Group, you’ll find expert women’s health practitioners who can provide regular checkups and testing and prescribe any necessary medication.

Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help

Learning you have a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes can be scary and overwhelming. Your Vanguard primary care doctor and our RDN can help you manage chronic conditions, like diabetes, every day. Ask them about our Diabetes Prevention Program, which utilizes the Prevent T2 CDC curriculum. To learn more about diabetes prevention or to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, contact your local Vanguard office today.

Caregiver Support Through Classes and Programs

At our Verona Office, we offer several different options for caregivers to get them the tools that they need to do their job successfully. Our caregiver support group is a popular option. It meets once a month where other caregivers and one of our professional staff members helps to lead the group. This group is a perfect opportunity for sharing group resources and experiences with all of the members of the group. Also, it’s an excellent opportunity for you to learn how to handle the stress that occurs from your position as a caregiver.

Your Care Comes First

It’s difficult for many to come to terms with this, but your care does come first. There are a lot of tasks that you’re required to do for the person you’re taking care of on a daily basis. From bathing to making sure the right medication schedule is followed, you’ve got a lot on your plate. The thing that you need to remember is that this constant demand can be hard on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Not taking care of your health can mean that you aren’t able to keep up with your tasks.

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Signs You May Be Neglecting Yourself

Caregiver burnout and stress are real considerations when you’re responsible for taking care of someone else in addition to yourself.

• Feeling as though you’re out of energy, run down, or tired
• Having feelings of frustration, irritability, isolation, depression, or anxiety
• Not wanting to take part in hobbies and activities you used to like
• Unexplained weight changes
• New regular drinking habit

Personalized Primary Care for Caregivers

At Vanguard Medical Group, we offer a program specifically to address the specialized needs of caregivers.
Some of the screenings and counseling we offer include:

• Hypertension and Cardiovascular
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Depression and Anxiety
• Annual Physicals

Schedule by email or phone call to get your appointment around your busy schedule.

Caregiver Health Tips

• Make time for yourself when you’re not caregiving
• Get the recommended amount of sleep a night
• Get regular exercise
• Try to eat healthy meals and snacks
• Stay up-to-date on your health
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help
• Get in touch with a support group

Resources For You

You’re not alone as a caregiver. Several online resources can be beneficial for caregivers for you to utilize as needed. These resources can be helpful.

Managing Your Healthcare Is Easy with 24/7 Access to Vanguard’s Secure Patient Portal

24/7, Secure Online Access to Appointment Scheduling, Lab Results, Bill Pay and More  

Patient Portal is a secure, online tool that gives patients access to their medical information and the ability to ask their clinical provider or office staff member questions. It helps the flow of information and streamlines timely communication that helps patients manage their health and medical care at their convenience, anytime and from anywhere. Better-managed health and medical care can also control and often reduce medical costs.

To log into the patient portal, click here.

If you have not logged into the new portal please click “sign up” on the main page. You cannot use your old portal log in for the new portal.  

Patient Portals Are Good for Your Health

We know medical questions don’t always arise during office hours, and you don’t always have time to call for results or schedule an appointment during your busy day. That’s why we recommend using our online patient portal to give you 24/7 access to some of your most timely and important medical information. Our portal is a secure, encrypted means of communicating with our team for non-emergency matters. We’ll respond to your inquiry in the next 1-2 business days.

Use the Patient Portal to:

• Schedule an eCare telemedicine appointment
• Prepare for your next visit
• Review screenings, lab, and test results
• Request medication refills
• Request a referral to a specialist
• Ask a non-emergency question of our staff
• Pay your bill

Set-Up is Easy

All you need is an Internet connection to use the portal. To sign up and receive your personal login information, please speak to our front desk staff at your next visit. You can also call our Patient Access Team at 973-559-0081 or email them at patientaccessteam@vanguardmedgroup.com.

If you have not logged into the new portal please click “sign up” on the main page. You cannot use your old portal log in for the new portal.  

Hablas español? Usa el portal de pacientes en español.

 

Schedule your appointment.

Here is what you will see when you log in.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Patient Portal?

A patient portal is a secure online website that gives you convenient 24-hour access to your personal health information and medical records – called an Electronic Health Record or EHR – from anywhere in the United States with Internet access. Please contact the Patient Access Team directly to receive your portal activation link via phone 973-559-0081, email at patientaccessteam@vanguardmedgroup.com or chat with us at vanguardmedgroup.com.

Why Is a Patient Portal Important?

Accessing your personal medical records through a patient portal can help you be more actively involved in your own health care. Accessing your family members’ health information can help you take care of them more easily. Also, patient portals offer self-service options that can eliminate phone tag with your doctor and sometimes even save a trip to the doctor’s office.

Can my family access my Portal?

You may choose to give family members, such as parents or healthcare proxies, access to your Portal.

Is my information safe?

Yes. Patient portals have privacy and security safeguards in place to protect your health information. Always remember to protect your username and password from others and make sure to only log on to the patient portal from a personal or secure computer.

What Do I Do If…

…I don’t receive a registration email?

Be patient. The e-mails may take a few minutes to deliver. You may also check your junk mail or spam folders to see if the email was routed there by mistake. If necessary, you can call the Patient Access Team at 973-559-0081 or email them at patientaccessteam@vanguardmedgroup.com.

Also, failure to register your portal account within thirty days will inactivate your registration. If this happens, please contact the Patient Access Team at 973-559-0081 or email patientacessteam@vanguardmedgroup.com to send you a new registration.

…I forget my password?

After you attempt to login with a username and password, click on the link that says, “Forgot Password,” and follow the additional instructions. If you still need help, contact the Patient Access Team to reset your account. You can call 973-559-0081 or email patientaccessteam@vanguardmedgroup.com.

…I have an urgent issue or an emergency?

Do NOT use the Patient Portal. Call the Patient Access Team 973-559-0081 during business hours if you need to speak with a staff member immediately. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Sign up for the portal today.

Click the image below or scan the QR code with your Smartphone camera to go to the login page.

Overview

Vanguard Medical Group participates with most major insurance plans.

We will submit charges to any insurance plan with which we participate. Insurance co-payments are due at the time of your visit. For individuals not covered under such an insurance plan, we request payment for office services be made at the time of your visit.

Managed Care plans may require you to select a doctor as your Primary Care Physician (PCP). This should be done prior to visiting our office.

If you do not have insurance or have a high deductible plan that we do not participate with, you may want to consider our Direct Pay Primary Care Plan. This plan gives your access for all your primary care needs for a low monthly payment. Click here to see if the Direct Pay Primary Care Plan is available at your Vanguard office location.

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Health Insurance and Your Health

With the Affordable Care Act in place, the insurance industry, employers and individuals are examining their healthcare benefits and in some cases making changes. It is all in an effort to mitigate the high costs of healthcare, especially when more of the cost may be shifted to the consumer. Whether you ‘shop’ for insurance or maintain your employer’s policy, we understand the burden that higher out-of-pocket medical costs can bring to our patients. We’re working with you to help you manage those costs and understand your insurance benefits.

Our Role: Reducing Out-of-Pocket Costs

At Vanguard Medical Group, we work to help reduce the direct costs to you. Here are just some of the ways.

• For any procedure we recommend, we consider both medical necessity and cost effectiveness. For example, we advise when testing might be unnecessary or when it can wait.
• We consider the cost every time we write a prescription–and provide generics when possible.
• We also check to make sure your care is within your health plan’s network.
• When you need a specialist, we collaborate, when possible, with those who are high quality and cost-effective. We will coordinate your care by sharing with you and the specialist any relevant prior testing to avoid unnecessary duplication.
• If you are a Medicare enrollee, click here to learn more about Medicare Annual Wellness Visits.

Your Role: Healthy Lifestyle

Did you know that smoking, drinking, obesity and lack of exercise lead to health problems that account for more than 30 percent of healthcare costs?  The lifestyle choices that you make can go a long way toward keeping you healthy. We can help guide you in lowering your healthcare costs by encouraging you to incorporate healthy choices and changes in your lifestyle.

• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce stress
• Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
• Schedule annual physicals
• Get immunizations and screenings when recommended

Ask us. We’ll help you develop a personalized healthy lifestyle program.

 For More Information

There’s still a lot of confusion about insurance. Here are links to sites that can help explain the current insurance market.

• Affordable Care Act, https://www.healthcare.gov – Search for healthcare coverage that meets your needs and budget on this U.S. government-sponsored healthcare marketplace website.
• NJ Exchange, http://www.healthinsurance.org/new_jersey-state-health-insurance-exchange/  – Search for healthcare coverage specific to New Jersey.
• Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, http://kff.org – The Kaiser Family Foundation is dedicated to filling the need for trusted, independent information on health issues facing our nation.

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Questions & Answers

Q. What is an insurance copayment?

A. A copayment, copay or encounter fee is the amount of money your insurance plan requires you to pay at the time of your visit.

Q. Am I required to pay a copayment every time I visit the office?

A. Generally, our staff will collect a copayment every time you see the doctor for an office visit. Insurance company rules regarding copayment collection for lab work, immunizations, office surgeries, etc. vary depending upon the type of insurance involved.

Q. My insurance plan has a deductible and co-insurance. How will I know what I am required to pay?

A. Any insurance plan deductible and co-insurance is the patient’s responsibility. You will receive a bill from us after we have received your insurance company’s payment. You should also receive an Explanation of Benefit from your insurance company, which will indicate the patient’s financial responsibility.

Q. Why did I receive a bill when I paid my copayment at the time of my visit?

A. There are a number of different reasons you could receive a bill from us in addition to your copayment:

• Some insurance plans require a deductible for laboratory services, immunizations, minor surgical procedures or hospital visits, etc. In that case, you would be responsible for any charges put toward your deductible.
• Some insurance plans require you to select a primary care physician. If you have not done this, your insurance company will consider your visit to be “out-of-network” even though we participate with your plan.
• Your insurance plan may not cover visits for obesity, pre-employment exams, school or sports physicals, cosmetic removal of moles and lesions, or any other diagnosis they deem not medically necessary.

Q. How do I contact Vanguard Billing?

A. Phone: 973-559-3700 / Fax: 833-484-1686 / e-mail: billing@vanguardmedgroup.com

Q. Both my spouse and I work and have dual coverage through our employers. Why can’t I choose which plan I want to use?

A. The insurance industry developed an industry-wide agreement, which determines which plan pays first. Generally, the plan covering the patient as the employee pays before the plan covering the patient as the dependent spouse. Therefore, your employer’s insurance plan would be primary on you and the coverage through your spouse’s employer would be considered secondary.

Q. Which plan would be primary for our children?

A. The order of benefit determination depends upon the birth date (month and day) of the parents. The plan covering the parent whose birthday occurs earlier in the calendar year is considered primary. For example, if the child’s mother was born on March 27th and the father was born on August 7th, the mother’s insurance plan would be primary.