Joslin Diabetes Center

Boston-based Joslin Diabetes Center is launching a mobile diabetes management initiative called "Joslin Everywhere" that connects physicians and patients via an online platform and equips patients with connected blood glucose meters to track glucose readings. According to a report in the Boston Globe, Joslin is mulling a partnership with American Well to use the company's virtual care platform. Joslin aims to launch an early version of the program with a group of doctors in the Beth Israel Deaconess Physician Organization in about six months time.

The Center's VP of planning and advocacy Catherine Carver is leading the hospital's initiative, which launched thanks to a $900,000 donation from a patient: "We need to move into remote care,” she said. “To be able to reach this tidal wave of people with diabetes coming at us, we need to use technology,” Carver told the Globe.

The Joslin program offers patients with type 2 diabetes support groups, remote weight management programs, and mobile tools that transmit glucose readings directly to their physicians. Participating physicians will receive access to new research, CME courses, and tips for how to use their EHRs to detect problems in their patient population.

The Globe report also mentioned a pilot program underway at Massachusetts General Hospital under the direction of Dr. Nancy Wei. The pilot outfits diabetes patients with glucometers that automatically send patients' blood sugar readings by satellite to an online portal that Wei checks in on each morning. When she notices problems, Wei typically calls or sends the patient a message. Most issues are resolved over the phone.

More over the Boston Globe here (sub. req.).