CMS to cover behavioral therapy for obesity
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed covering intensive behavioral therapy for obese individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B.Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. The therapy would consist of screening for obesity, a dietary assessment and intensive behavioral counseling and therapy to promote weight loss through diet and exercise.
According to the Aug. 31 memo, CMS would cover a face-to-face visit every week for the first month, a face-to-face visit every other week for months two through six, and a face-to-face monthly visit for months seven through 12. In order to qualify, a beneficiary would have to be competent and alert, and meet with a qualified primary care physician or primary care provider, such as a nurse practitioner. While skilled nursing facilities would not be eligible for reimbursement, a less obese older population nonetheless would be good news for providers struggling to keep up with the costs and demands of bariatric patients.
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