Thousands of patients receive in-home screening for diabetic eye diseases

More than 3,200 Sentara Health Plans members with diabetes have been screened for diabetic retinopathy through a new contract with Retina Labs. Diabetic retinopathy is the primary cause of preventable blindness in diabetic patients and regular screenings are paramount. Virginia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the U.S. with more than 13% of the adult population diagnosed.

“Sentara Health Plans supports more than 30,000 members with diabetes but only a quarter of them were being screened at recommended intervals for preventing vision issues,” said Mark Fulton, director of population health for Sentara Health Plans. “Our partnership with Retina Labs to provide screenings in members’ homes, on their schedules, really improved our members’ health outcomes.”

A sample of the test results patients receive following the retinal screenings performed by technicians with Retina Labs. 

The no-cost tests have resulted in more than 400 referrals to ophthalmologists when eye diseases were detected. Test results are shared with members’ primary care physicians for follow-up. Post-screening surveys by Retina Labs indicate a 98% satisfaction score among members screened, and more than 95% shared gratitude to Sentara Health Plans for making the service available.

In addition to retinal screenings, Retina Labs agreed to distribute HbA1c test kits to diabetic members and colorectal cancer screening kits during home visits. As a result, almost 1,500 members reported completing their A1C tests and more than 5,000 reported completing colorectal cancer tests. Looking ahead, Retina Labs will distribute a combined blood/urine test for kidney health. Bone density scans will be added to the screening service later this year.

“We value our partnership with our members as we support them in their healthcare journeys as part of the Sentara mission to improve health every day,” added Fulton.