Gothenburg Health continues to set the standard for rural healthcare, earning national and state recognition while expanding innovative resources for patients living with diabetes. Gothenburg Health physician Garret T. Shaw, MD, was re-certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering high-quality diabetes care. The NCQA Diabetes Recognition program honors clinicians who meet evidence-based measures, including HbA1c control, blood pressure management, eye and foot exams, nephropathy assessment, and tobacco cessation support. Dr. Shaw’s certification is effective through November 2026.

“We are fortunate to have someone like Dr. Shaw who is committed to the highest level of diabetes care at Gothenburg Health,” said Cassie Hilbers, Chief Ancillary Officer. “It means that people living with diabetes have access to quality care close to home.”

This achievement follows Gothenburg Health’s receipt of the 2024 Quest for Excellence Award from the Nebraska Hospital Association, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to quality, patient safety, and population health. Diabetes care has been a significant focus for the organization, addressing Dawson County’s high rates of obesity (43%), inactivity (30%), and diabetes (10%), according to 2022 county data.

Comprehensive Diabetes Support

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, but Gothenburg Health offers a specialized education program led by Shay Holbrook, RN, BSN, CDCES, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Holbrook provides guidance on managing Diabetes Mellitus, proper diet and stress management, medication adherence, and insulin administration techniques. The program also emphasizes delaying complications, planning healthy menus, staying active, and improving communication with family and healthcare teams.

Gothenburg Health also offers advanced technology for diabetes management through the Omnipod® tubeless insulin pump system. Certified earlier this year, Holbrook trains and supports patients using this innovative device, which works with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to deliver fast-acting insulin via a small, waterproof pod worn on the body.

“It’s very cool how it learns the patient,” Holbrook said. “It predicts where their blood sugar will be in the next 60 minutes and adjusts insulin levels accordingly.”

The Omnipod system uses adaptive technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time and predicted glucose levels. Weekly data is shared through a secure portal, allowing providers to monitor progress and make adjustments. This option eliminates the burden of multiple daily injections, offering patients a more flexible and comfortable way to manage diabetes.

Patients enrolled in Gothenburg Health’s chronic care management program benefit from monthly check-ins, financial assistance, and even a six-month YMCA membership. “One of the biggest rewards has been medication adherence,” Holbrook said. As of the first of November, 117 patients receive free or reduced-cost medication with the re-enrollment period open currently. What began as a pilot for 12 patients grew to 73 participants by the end of 2023 and now serves 137 patients.

Alisa Crown, Chief Nursing Officer, credits collaboration for the program’s success. “Receiving ongoing recognition shows that we’re truly improving care,” Crown said. “Doctors alone can’t do it all—having specialists and a supportive team is a win for patients.”

For more information about Gothenburg Health’s diabetes education program, call 308-537-1009.