Diabetes Recognition Program Refresh: What’s New
July 24, 2025 · Becky Kolinski
NCQA’s Diabetes Recognition Program recognizes clinicians who use evidence-based measures to provide quality care to patients living with diabetes. With support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, we recently refreshed the program to include an updated platform, an updated measure set and annual Recognition status.
What’s Changed
We’ve updated the program to reflect advancements in care delivery and to support the transition to digital quality measurement. The refreshed program:
- Incorporates new measures that reflect current clinical guidelines.
- Expands eligibility to include any setting that cares for patients with diabetes.
- Transitions from paper measures to digitally specified measures, with submission of data through CSV or FHIR®.
- Shifts from 3-year Recognition to annual Recognition.
- Streamlines the application process through NCQA’s Q-PASS.
Benefits of Recognition
Recognition can help clinicians and practices distinguish themselves as delivering high-quality care for patients with diabetes.
- Prioritize condition management. Focus on preventing disease progression and addressing related concerns.
- Improve outcomes. Implement a framework to strengthen clinical accountability and provide insights to help improve outcomes.
- Succeed in value-based arrangements. Build a culture of continuous improvement and measurement that can help demonstrate value as a contracting partner.
- Differentiate in the marketplace. Recognized practices and clinicians are listed in the NCQA Report Cards, and receive a seal to promote their Recognition.
Clinicians and practices receive personalized service from an NCQA representative who collaborates with them throughout the Recognition process.
Clinical Measures Included in the Program
The program focuses on measures that matter most for managing patients with diabetes:
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring Utilization—Effective January 2026
- Depression Screening and Follow-Up—Effective January 2026
- Statin Therapy Prescription—Effective January 2026
- Blood Pressure Control <140/90 mmHg
- Glycemic Status Assessment <8.0%
- Glycemic Status Assessment >9.0%
- Eye Examination
- Foot Examination
- Kidney Health Evaluation
- Smoking and Tobacco Use Screening and Follow-Up
Apply to the Program at No Cost
For a limited time, the Helmsley Foundation will cover the cost of application fees and standards for clinicians to pursue Recognition.
Follow these steps to take advantage of this offer:
- Click here to sign in or register for a Q-PASS account.
- Enter the code DPPS24 in the “Application Notes” section.
- Complete the enrollment process and sign the required agreements. If you aren’t authorized to sign, invite an appropriate individual from your organization to sign on your behalf, and let us know; we’ll send instructions to them. All agreements must be signed to proceed with the Recognition process.
Interested organizations with more than five clinicians should complete this form, and an NCQA representative will assist you with the application process.
Learn More
- Visit our website to learn more about the program. Submit any questions through My NCQA.
- Listen to our podcast, The CGM Era: A New Approach to Diabetes Care.
- Watch our webinar with the American Diabetes Association, Best Practices in Measuring Diabetes Care.
FHIR® is the registered trademark of Health Level Seven International and its use does not constitute endorsement by HL7.
