16 Dec Physicians Perceive Health Insurance as Barrier to Weight Management Efforts

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ruchi Doshi, MPH
MD Candidate 2017 | Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Current guidelines recommend that physicians collaborate with non-physician health professionals to deliver weight management care. While several studies have looked at barriers physicians face in providing these services, few studies have looked at the barriers that the non-physician health professionals face. Ultimately, we found that one quarter of these health professionals found insurance coverage to be a current challenge to providing weight management care, and that over half of them felt improved coverage would help facilitate weight loss. These findings were consistent regardless of the income level of the patient populations.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Physicians need to be aware that the barriers that the rest of the healthcare team is facing in terms of insurance are similar to their own. Having a discussion about insurance coverage for all services and out-of-pocket costs may need to become a part of their regular discussion about weight management services, given that insurance coverage for these services remains variable from state-to-state.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: We encourage further research that examines patient outcomes when insurance coverage for weight management services is improved and is no longer a major barrier to care for endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals alike.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Recent guidelines recommend that weight management best occurs in teams, which means that physicians should be partnering with other health professionals such as dieticians, mental health professionals, and nurses. While we know the challenges physicians face in providing weight management services, this study helps to clarify what those issues are for these other professionals. Physicians may not be aware of what the barriers are for these health professionals, and knowing this might improve experiences for patients receiving multidisciplinary care.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Doshi R, et al “Health professionals’ perceptions of insurance coverage for weight loss service” Obesity Week 2016; Abstract T-OR-2087.

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on December 16, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD