Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Obesity Behavioral Therapy
Intensive counseling for weight loss. Obesity is a disease that increases health risks, worsens existing conditions, and requires treatment.
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How To Receive
Details on how to apply
Inquire with a primary care provider about obesity screening and intensive counseling for weight loss.
Work with that provider to coordinate weight loss therapy with the existing comprehensive care plan.
Attend counseling sessions as scheduled by the provider.
Implement methods and practices, as learned and discussed during sessions, into everyday thoughts and actions.
For more information on Medicare benefits and coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit the Medicare Benefits Website. TTY users, call 1-877-486-2048.
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Obesity screenings and behavioral counseling for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. This counseling is covered if a primary care provider offers the counseling in a primary care setting (like a doctor's office), where they can coordinate a personalized prevention plan that aligns with other care plans and goals.
Counseling involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, whereby ways to change eating and exercise habits are learned and, if practiced, can work very well.
Body mass index or “BMI” is a simplified physical indicator utilized by healthcare providers, health plans, and insurance carriers to determine health status and risks. BMI is calculated using age, gender at birth, height, and weight. Being overweight, and especially being obese, poses numerous health risks. Morbid obesity can result in serious health complications.
Obesity has now widely been embraced as a disease state and is being treated as such.
Discussion about weight is approached respectfully and non-judgmentally and starts with reviewing the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Physical activity and diet are addressed through behavioral therapy, and the mental aspects of weight gain/weight loss and lifestyle choices are addressed through cognitive therapy (reframing how we think about things). Canceling negative thoughts and developing greater emotional resilience by cultivating a healthy relationship with food and the body is as essential to weight loss and maintenance as proper diet and exercise.
Talk to a primary care provider to find out more.
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