Summary

In the 20th century, health care was more episodic, had a fee-for-service structure, and relied primarily on the educational background of health care providers. Today, health care delivery is more integrated and geared toward transitioning patient to other treatments or discharge, and payment is contractually arranged (ie, capitated payment). The development of Certified Diabetes Educators is changing similar to the way medical advancements are altering the manner in which patients with diabetes are treated.