Here is some of the most exciting news affecting health and fitness that I have seen in a long time. Effective immediately, Medicare will be covering office visits by recipients to their physicians for regular weight-loss counseling. Why is this so exciting? It is great news for a few reasons.
First, obese Medicare beneficiaries will be able to see their primary care physicians for face-to-face visits that will be covered by insurance. Doctors who have been reluctant to counsel their patients about obesity might be more inclined to do so if their services are covered. That is good for both the doctor and the patient, and especially for older patients who are less likely to have a treatment plan in place for obesity.
A second reason why this is so exciting for fitness professionals is that according to the Los Angles Times, many physicians cite a lack of effective tools as a reason for shrinking from the task of counseling patients about the health hazards of obesity and getting them started on a weight loss program.
This is where we come in! We have all the effective tools they need! So I see this as an opportunity to make that all-important connection between the medical community and health and fitness. I also see the many ways that we can accomplish this goal.
Most of our clubs have physician that are members. I would start by having conversations with these doctors about this new federal decision. I would want to be sure that they are fully aware of the decision, and then encourage them to make use of it for their older patients.
I would want to advise them that even a small amount of weight loss can lead to huge health improvements, but also note that obesity programs have to emphasize an overall healthy lifestyle as well as weight loss. That is where our comprehensive weight loss programs that address all aspects of better fitness and health will be life-changing for many people.
One major concern is that without foolproof tools for doctors to help people lose weight, this new coverage may go unused. I don’t expect doctors to suddenly know what to do when it’s likely that they may have had very little training about nutrition in medical school. I do think that we can provide the necessary tools to the doctors either in their offices or at our clubs in the form of programs for their patients. The physicians can then monitor their patients’ progress in their office visits.
Working hand-in-hand with medical personnel will elevate the credibility of our weight loss programs and at the same time help us reach more segments of the community for our membership.
Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.
