Patient Care Programs

Special Focus:

*In association with the Research Institute

Clinical Research

Executive Medicine Program:

The Executive Medicine Program (EMP) is a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program formally initiated in 1996 in response to a high demand from national and international patients requiring specialized care.

Patients desiring entry into the Executive Medicine Program (EMP) require:

• letter of referral from a physician
• copies of recent (within the last six months) blood test results, if available
• copies of other test results according to problems, EMGs, x-rays, MRIs, etc, if available
• 3-4 day stay in Norfolk for evaluation. The Strelitz Diabetes Institutes is an outpatient unit, thus 3 night stay in a local nearby hotel
• transport from home base to Norfolk (usually by air to Norfolk/Virginia Beach Airport)
• transport from hotel to the Strelitz Diabetes Institutes (usually by rental car or local taxi)
• medical insurance accepted by Strelitz Diabetes Institutes

Who can be helped?

• Patients with painful or progressing diabetic neuropathy
• The Strelitz Diabetes Institutes research team has demonstrated that diabetic neuropathy is a complex, treatable and reversible disorder caused by multiple factors.
• The SDI medical team uses specially designed tests to determine the cause of diabetic neuropathy and then treats the symptoms and related metabolic systems.
• The SDI’s extensive clinical research program allows patients access to new treatments not generally available to the public.
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes
• Patients with endocrine or metabolic disorders
• Thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, sexual, bone mineral, etc.
• Patients with complicated diabetes and endocrine problems who may need external insulin pumps.

How long do patients stay?

Generally, patients stay in Norfolk for three days and nights at one of the recommended nearby hotels.

For directions and accommodations, click here.

What does the program entail?
Patients enter the special out-patient program and receive physical examinations followed by laboratory tests, sophisticated neurological assessments to determine the type and extent of nerve damage, tests to measure heart functions and bone density, and other endocrine and metabolic tests.

The EMP program has a special focus on preventing and treating complications of diabetes, complex diabetes and endocrine disorders.

The Strelitz Diabetes Institutes’ Certified Nurse Educators (CDE) emphasize the importance of blood sugar monitoring, foot and eye care; clinical dietitians (also CDE) provide patients with dietary guidelines to prevent kidney damage and control risk factors for heart disease.

A network of affiliated neurologists, opthamologists, cardiologists, mental health professionals, podiatrists and exercise physiologists work together to optimize care of EMP patients.

How much does the program cost?

The cost of the program varies according to the specific clinical problem, type of tests and treatments needed. Most insurance companies will cover at least part of the costs.

Which insurance companies work with the EMP Program?

The EMP program works with most major insurance companies such as Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, Champus, etc. Prior to the appointment, patients are required to secure an insurance referral from their primary care physicians.

How do patients enter the program?

To enter the Executive Medicine Program, please contact the director, Etta J. Vinik, MA at vinikej@evms.edu or call 757-446-5912.