The American College of Diabetology (ACD) recently announced that diabetology has received formal recognition as a new medical specialty from the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC). The NUCC, which is chaired by the American Medical Association (AMA) and partners with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), creates standards for medical payment claims. This recognition allows diabetologists to receive referrals from other providers as recognized specialists through the assignment of a unique taxonomy classification, as well as a new streamlined claim process for reimbursements for diabetes-related healthcare.

Lenny Salzberg, MD, FAAFP, has practiced in Fayetteville since 1988. He is a faculty member for the Southern Regional AHEC Family Medicine Residency and fellowship director of diabetology at Southern Regional AHEC. He also serves as the chair of the American College of Diabetology, which was started three years ago as part of the effort to bring formal recognition to the specialty. Additionally, he is the chair of Academic Clinical Medicine for Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.

 “This recognition is about formally naming a field that already exists in practice — one where clinicians devote their careers to comprehensive, patient-centered diabetes care,” said Dr. Salzberg in a press release. “With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes, this taxonomy brings long-overdue visibility to the work of diabetologists and builds a stronger foundation for the future of diabetes care.”

Diabetology is the specialty focused on the full continuum of diabetes care — encompassing diagnosis, treatment, prevention, technology integration, education and cardiometabolic management. While it intersects with endocrinology, primary care and public health, diabetology is uniquely defined by its depth and focus on diabetes alone. 

“For patients with diabetes, this increases the number of specialists available for referrals to help you manage your Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Salzberg added in a press release. “It helps especially when patients are transitioning from pediatric care, as endocrinologists tend to specialize in adult or pediatric, but diabetologists see both.”

Recognizing diabetology through taxonomy strengthens the pipeline of diabetes-focused clinicians, enables standard-setting and supports certification, research alignment and policy development. It also enhances clarity for patients, payers and health systems regarding who is qualified to lead comprehensive diabetes care. The taxonomy is designed to complement the

work of endocrinologists and primary care providers, not compete with them. Diabetology creates new pathways to expand access to high-quality care in both community and high-volume settings — ensuring that patients receive timely, expert support no matter where they live.

“We are expanding the reach of evidence-based diabetes care, and this taxonomy strengthens the identity of all who serve in that mission,” concluded Dr. Salzberg in a press release.