Sheridan Health Services in Denver, Colorado, a valued member of Carina Health Network, is demonstrating the power of coordinated, team‑based care in helping patients achieve dramatic improvements in diabetes control.
Diabetes management is a core priority across our network. Together, our members emphasize comprehensive primary care, population health strategies, and the use of multidisciplinary teams, all principles grounded in Bodenheimer’s 10 Building Blocks of High‑Performing Primary Care. Sheridan’s recent success story shows how these elements come together to transform patient outcomes.
Identifying Severe Risk Through Routine Testing
Sheridan Health Services recently re‑established care with a patient who had not been seen for some time. During the visit, the care team performed a routine A1c test. The result came back undetectable, meaning it exceeded 15.5%, a clear indicator of dangerously uncontrolled diabetes and a significant health risk.
Because the patient was at immediate risk, the primary care provider partnered with Sheridan’s clinical pharmacist to respond quickly and collaboratively.
Team‑Based Care in Action
The provider‑pharmacist team worked together to support the patient using a comprehensive, person‑centered approach. Together, they:
- Initiated insulin therapy to bring blood glucose down safely
- Worked with the patient on practical lifestyle and nutrition changes
- Scheduled frequent check‑ins for dose adjustments and ongoing support
- Transitioned the patient from insulin to oral medication only as their condition stabilized
This collaboration ensured continuity, education, and frequent follow‑up, all key elements of high‑performing primary care and value‑based care success.
A Life‑Changing Result
Thanks to this coordinated effort, the patient’s A1c improved dramatically over time: From greater than 15.5% → to 7.1%.
This progress reflects the patient’s commitment and the measurable impact of well‑integrated primary care and pharmacy services.
Advancing Our Missions Through Team‑Based Care
Sheridan’s experience demonstrates how clinical‑pharmacy collaboration strengthens chronic disease management, how routine A1c testing helps identify high‑risk patients, and how multidisciplinary teams improve outcomes while reducing complications. Most importantly, it highlights how relationships, trust, and coordinated care help patients make sustainable long‑term improvements.
Carina Health Network celebrates Sheridan Health Services for showing what is possible when primary care teams work together to deliver high‑quality diabetes care.
Resources for Members
Members can log in to the Member Area for various guides and tools to support diabetes management workflows and other primary care improvement strategies.
