Organizations are strongly encouraged to read the CDC Recognition Program Standards and Operating Procedures and complete the Capacity Assessment[PDF - 58.4KB] before applying for recognition. If your organization does not have capacity at this time, you may want to support other sites in your area.

The cost for participation in a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program depends on a variety of things, including the host organization’s funding/resources, ability to work with partners and garner reimbursement for services via private or public insurers, and whether the program is offered at a worksite as part of a benefits package to employees, for example. CDC estimates the average cost of program delivery to be about $500 per participant annually. This is a small amount considering that the average cost per year to treat one person with diabetes is estimated at $13,700. This is not to say that the participant actually bears the direct cost of the program. Many organizations have other sources of funding and cover some participant costs, while others ask that participants pay a small fee to supplement program costs.

CDC does not recommend codes or reimbursement processes nor get involved in them, as that’s the business of the insurer. CDC leaves it up to DPRP organizations to negotiate with whatever insurer or Third Party Administrator (TPA) they use.

Seeking CDC recognition is a voluntary process. CDC recognition provides payers with a guarantee of fidelity to the evidence-based standards. Proposed legislation to cover diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries will require the program to be offered by organizations that have received recognition from CDC. Many payers require CDC recognition as a condition of payment. 

At this time, CDC does not have plans to translate the diabetes prevention program curriculum into any language other than Spanish. CDC also cannot approve other translated curricula for use as a CDC-approved curriculum. CDC does not have the staff or financial resources to develop, review, and approve other translated curricula appropriately (i.e., with the same rigor as our currently approved curricula and with the same attention to cultural-appropriateness).

No, CDC does not require certification or credentialing for lifestyle coaches or master trainers. However, lifestyle coaches should receive some form of training so that they can effectively implement the diabetes prevention lifestyle change program with fidelity to the DPP science and CDC recognition standards.

Master Trainers are facilitators who are extensively trained in the CDC diabetes prevention program curriculum. Master Trainers should have previous experience with a DPP-based lifestyle intervention, expertise in adult learning and group facilitation, and familiarity with the diabetes prevention lifestyle change program.