Parkland diabetes clinic earns national specialty care recognition
After three years of coordinated work, the Parkland Health Global Diabetes Specialty Clinic has been certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Specialty Practice, becoming the first endocrinology program in Texas to earn this designation and the ninth in the nation.
“This recognition reflects years of hard work and the dedication of our entire team to providing the best possible care for our patients,” said Uma Gunasekaran, MD, Endocrinologist and Executive Medical Director of the Global Diabetes Program at Parkland. “Managing diabetes goes beyond medication. It requires education, support and close coordination throughout a patient’s journey. We’re proud to provide care that helps our patients better manage their condition and improve their overall health.”
The NCQA recognition reflects a sustained effort to standardize and strengthen care coordination and improve access for patients with complex diabetes needs. Under Dr. Gunasekaran’s leadership, the program aligned clinical workflows, expanded education and self-management support, and integrated data-driven quality improvement into daily practice.
The designation recognizes specialty practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, including team-based care, proactive population management, and close coordination with primary care. This milestone positions the program as a model for specialty care delivery and reflects a broader commitment within the department to improving quality and access across clinical settings. For patients served through Parkland, the certification affirms a model focused on continuity, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
The Global Diabetes Program was created to address soaring rates of diabetes in Dallas County and to help patients with this complex disease navigate the healthcare system.
The program aims to provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that improves access to care with a focus on bringing specialty care to the patient’s own communities. A multidisciplinary team of physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, and financial counselors work to rotate around the patient, instead of the patient having to manage a multitude of various separate appointments.
For resources on managing diabetes, visit www.parklanddiabetes.com. For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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