Info. for Patients | Info. for Health Care Providers

A health code amendment that took effect on January 15, 2006 requires that laboratories report the results of a blood test called A1C for New York City residents to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. These test results are entered in the Registry which the department uses to produce the:

A1C test results received by the Registry are used by the Department to create and disseminate:

• Quarterly provider reports with patients listed by
  A1C level.
• Patient Letter Service: Letters sent to adult patients with high A1C levels and a reminder to return to care.

Provider Reports

The Health Department sends quarterly reports to health care facilities and providers. Each report contains:

• A summary of glycemic control among patients having diabetes in the previous 12 months. This is compared to a NYC Benchmark, which consists of a group of New York City providers with the highest proportion of patients with A1C < 9% and collectively serves 10% of the NYC diabetes population. Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)about the NYC A1C Registry Performance Summary.
• A patient roster organized by three A1C categories:
  A1C < 7%, A1C 7-9% and A1C > 9%. This listing of patients can 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.

For providers receiving A1C Registry Reports, please help us keep the Registry information up to date.

• Provide us with status changes on your patients and indicate which patients should not receive letters. Here is a sample of the Patient Status Update form (PDF).
• Facilities can update provider rosters by contacting one of the program clinical liaisons.

Patient Letters

To support patients with diabetes in managing their care,
letters are sent to adult patients (age 18 years and over) with high A1Cs (> 9%) and a reminder to return to care. The Health Department sends these letters to patients on facility letterhead when requested.

• Patients whose A1C was high may receive the high A1C letter in English or Spanish.
• Patients whose last A1C was high AND have not had a test in 8 months may receive the overdue letter in English or Spanish.

Providers can order additional English and/or Spanish posters or tent cards explaining the patient letter service by contacting one of the program clinical liaisons.

• For more details about this service, please click here (PDF).

* See more provider resources.

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