Executive Medicine Program

Background

The Executive Medicine Program (EMP) was formally initiated in 1996 in response to a demand from hundreds of out of state and out of country patients requiring specialized diabetes care.

Forty percent of the patients entering the program are referred by physicians and about sixty percent are self-referred. The latter group learned about the program from friends or from the media-news releases and television interviews providing public information on the latest research breakthroughs at the Strelitz Diabetes Center, renowned for its work in islet cell regeneration and diabetic neuropathy.

Who Can Be Helped?

• Patients with painful or progressing diabetic neuropathy seek help at the Strelitz Diabetes Center, where the research team has shown that diabetic neuropathy is a complex, treatable and reversible disorder caused by a multiplicity of factors. At the Center, specially designed tests determine the cause of diabetic neuropathy and treat the symptoms and related metabolic systems. Because the Strelitz Diabetes Center contracts to evaluate new drugs for neuropathy as soon as they are available, the EMP program offers state of the art treatment to patients.
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
• Patients with endocrine or metabolic disorders, e.g. thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, sexual, bone mineral, etc.
• Patients with complicated diabetes and endocrine problems who might need external insulin pumps.

How Long Do Patients Stay?

Generally patients stay in Norfolk at one of the nearby, recommended hotels for three days and nights. Patients enter the ambulatory program and receive physical examinations followed by laboratory tests, sophisticated neurological assessments to determine the type and extent of nerve damage, as well as tests to measure heart functions, bone density and other endocrine and metabolic tests. The program has a special focus on preventing and treating complications of diabetes, complex diabetes and endocrine disorders. Certified Nurse Educators (CDE) emphasize the importance of blood sugar monitoring, foot care and eye care; clinical dietitians (also CDE) provides patients with dietary guidelines to prevent kidney damage and to control risk factors for heart disease. Neurologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, mental health professionals, podiatrists and exercise physiologists work together to optimize care of EMP patients.

How Do Patients Enter the Program?

To enter the program contact the Director of the Executive Medicine Program, Etta Vinik, M.A. through the Strelitz Diabetes Center at vinikej@evms.edu.

How Much Does the Program Cost?

The cost of the program varies according to the specific clinical problem, type of tests and treatments needed. Most insurance companies will cover at least part of the costs.

Which Insurance Companies Work with the EMP Program?

Our program works with most major insurance companies such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, Champus, etc. Prior to your appointment, you will need your Insurance Referral from your primary care physician.

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