Ambler, Pa. (June 26, 2012) — Of the 3 million Americans who have celiac disease, it is estimated that only 95% are undiagnosed. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (www.CeliacCentral.org), a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of gluten-related disorders and improving quality of life for those on a lifelong gluten-free diet, is leading the way in educating primary care providers about the signs and symptoms of celiac disease through an online certified continuing medical education (CME) program that is delivered free of charge.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food in genetically susceptible individuals. Although celiac disease is common, it is greatly underdiagnosed due to a lack of familiarity with modern diagnostic algorithms. It currently takes an average of 6-10 years for an individual to receive an accurate celiac disease diagnosis.

To address this problem, NFCA joined forces with Impact Education, LLC, an independent, full-service medical education company, to create “Celiac CME Central: Defining, Diagnosing, and Managing Celiac Disease,” an evidence-based, interactive program available online at www.CeliacCMECentral.com.

The first of its kind, this free CME activity features a distinguished faculty of three celiac disease experts from the Mayo Clinic, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and USC Keck School of Medicine. Course content includes defining celiac disease, explaining the gluten-free diet and patient case studies.

“Left undiagnosed and untreated, celiac disease can lead to further complications such as osteoporosis, infertility and even some types of cancer. A prompt diagnosis of celiac disease can help to prevent these debilitating conditions in the long-term,” said Alice Bast, Founder and President of NFCA. “We are proud to be making inroads in the medical community, but there’s still work to be done.”

Since its inception, more than 400 primary care providers have completed the CME activity. Of those who have completed the activity, more than 78% agreed that they will implement the activity’s information into their area of practice as a result of their participation.

“I found the CME activity extremely valuable in my professional role as a Family Nurse Practitioner working in a women’s healthcare setting. I routinely see women who have several of the extra-intestinal symptoms of celiac disease that the CME activity did an outstanding job of highlighting,” said Susan Maloney, PhD, FNP-BC, Erie, PA.

Physician Continuing Medical Education

Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Postgraduate Institute for Medicine, Impact Education, LLC and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. Postgraduate Institute for Medicineis accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit DesignationPostgraduate Institute for Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This celiac disease CME activity is supported partially by educational grants from Alba Therapeutics and Quest Diagnostics. This initiative is partially supported by a grant to the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center from the Sidney E. Frank Foundation.

About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA)

Through empowerment, education and advocacy, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) drives diagnoses of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders and improves the quality of life for those on a lifelong gluten-free diet. For more information, please visit www.beyondceliac.org.

About Impact Education, LLC

Impact Education, LLC, is an independent, full-service medical education company, delivering value-based continuing education to health care professionals. Further information can be found by visiting www.impactedu.net.