DCAS

Diabetes / Cardiovascular Coordination and Assessment Service (DCAS)

DCAS supports GPs and their patients by providing a central contact point, improving access to services such as self management programs, supporting lifestyle changes, the Diabetes Cardiovascular Advisory Clinic (DCAC) and insulin stabilisation service.

It provides the vital linkage with GPs while working collaboratively with the Dandenong Hospital Southern Health, Greater Dandenong CHS and Casey Cardinia CHS.

DCAS accepts referrals from GPs for both the Diabetes Cardiovascular Risk Management Project and the Newly Diagnosed Service. Following receipt of referral the patient is contacted by the DCAS Project Officers who will assess and collaborately plan for their health needs. Appointments will be made and followed up with written information to complement the required  service.

DCAS then tracks and supports the consumer through the service system informing the GP at each stage.

Newly Diagnosed Service

In addition to DCAS this service offers a self management program that aims to increase self-efficacy and empower the individual with Type 2 diabetes so they can use their diabetes knowledge and skills to achieve positive lifestyle changes.

See the Resources Section for referral forms and consumer information

Eligibility Criteria for Newly diagnosed Service

• Diagnosed after January 1st 2003
• Type 2 diabetes (non insulin requiring)
• Over the age of 35
• Live, work or see a GP within the Casey Cardinia CHS and Greater Dandenong CHS boundaries.

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed prior to 1st January, 2003
• IGT / IFT (Click here to view guidelines)
• Children and Adolescents
• Type 1 or Type 2 - insulin requiring

Retinal Screening Service

A retinopathy screening service is offered for early detection of retinal damage in patients with diabetes.

A GP training program for interpreting retinal images is provided. The training program is also utilised for GPs who wish to do refresher training. Please contact the Retinal Screening Program Officer if you are interested in training for retinal screening.

Screening is conducted at the Association office. Photographs are then mailed out to you for review. We have a supportive network of GPs and an ophthalmologist to assist with any queries you may have with the results.

Patient referral to this program is restricted to GPs that have attended the training or GPs from a practice where at least one GP has attended the program and is willing to interpret results on behalf of the other GPs at the practice. Referral forms are available from the Division website resources section.