The American Society of Bariatric Physicians approves the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decision to cover obesity screening and intensive behavioral therapy in patients who have a body mass index of 30 or more, according to a news release.
Although the ASBP considers this policy a step in the right direction, research shows the critical step between primary care treatment and surgery is management by a "comprehensive multi-disciplinary team of obesity experts." The CMS guidelines will only cover intensive therapy that takes place in the primary care setting. The organization urges CMS to expand the definition of primary care physicians to include bariatric physicians and obesity medicine specialists.
Related Articles on Obesity:
Medicare Funding for Obesity Treatment Sparks Controversy
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Study: Laparoscopic Surgery May be Safer Than Open Bariatric Surgery
Although the ASBP considers this policy a step in the right direction, research shows the critical step between primary care treatment and surgery is management by a "comprehensive multi-disciplinary team of obesity experts." The CMS guidelines will only cover intensive therapy that takes place in the primary care setting. The organization urges CMS to expand the definition of primary care physicians to include bariatric physicians and obesity medicine specialists.
Related Articles on Obesity:
Medicare Funding for Obesity Treatment Sparks Controversy
Medicare to Pay for Obesity Screening and Counseling
Study: Laparoscopic Surgery May be Safer Than Open Bariatric Surgery