The New York City A1C Registry
Info. for Patients | Info. for Health Care Providers
A health code amendment that took effect on January 15, 2006 requires that most laboratories report the results of a blood test called A1C to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. A1C is a blood test that measures average blood sugar level in the blood over 3 months for people with diabetes. A1C levels are used by providers and patients to monitor and change treatment plans for individuals with diabetes, the goal being an A1C less than 7.0% (average blood sugar of 170 mg/dL). Good control of A1C can help prevent complications such as heart, eye, kidney, and nerve disease.
These test results are entered in the New York City A1C Registry (NYCAR) which the Department uses to:
- Support providers and their patients in improving diabetes care
- Monitor blood sugar control in New York City over time
Quarterly reports with patients listed by A1C level will be distributed to providers. These reports may be used to identify individuals who may benefit from additional support, such as intensification of therapy, or a referral to a physical activity program or self-management program.
Letters with recent A1C test results and a reminder to return to care will be sent to patients with high A1C levels if providers request this service.
In the future, resources such as free recreation center memberships, diabetes supplies for those who are uninsured, and blood pressure cuffs for patients to use at home will be made available to providers to distribute to their patients.
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For Patients
As part of the NYCAR, you may receive a letter in the mail from your provider if you have a high A1C level. You may also receive resources for managing your diabetes from your provider.
If you do not want to be contacted, either by letter or phone, regarding your A1C levels through registry-related programs or you do not want your provider(s) to receive your A1C information through registry-related programs, you need to submit a “Do Not Contact” request. To do this, you can:
- Submit an on-line request OR;
-
Printing and mailing the completed request form ( Click here 
for a copy of this form)to the Health Department, OR;
-
Call 311and asking to be directed to the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
Submitting a "Do Not Contact" request will in no way affect the current care you are receiving or information your provider (s) receives from the laboratory directly. In addition, you will still be able to receive resources from your provider (s).
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For Providers
This program is being implemented first in high need areas and will be expanded over time. As part of the implementation, the Department conducts outreach visits to introduce the NYCAR and the support tools for providers. In the summer of 2007, outreach to South Bronx-serving providers was initiated.
If we have not yet made it to your practice and you would like to receive information and updates about the NYCAR, please click here or call 311 and ask for the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
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