Shared Content Block:
Styles -- custom quote
Shared Content Block:
Styles -- "smart float" for images
Shared Content Block:
Styles -- restore normal formatting to bulleted and numbered lists
There are many ways to make weight management work in your practice. We call these models.
Before getting into which models are available to choose from, consider first some elements that go into a model.
Incorporating obesity counseling in routine care is likely the best option. You can also consider pairing up with a local program (like Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) but can also include free programs like walking or the YMCA) to see if they can provide scholarships or other services at no charge. A group program might be most cost-effective if there is not a way to bill insurance or charge patients.
You might want to consider the “hire a professional” or “group visit” option. The group visit consolidates all patients into a regular time chunk at the frequency you choose (i.e. once/week or once/month). Hiring a professional takes the visits to another person who is not already at capacity with other patient visits.
We have found that many medical providers enjoy weight management. Many patients want help with this and feel cared about when a provider takes the time to work with them. You might consider investing your CME into additional training on weight management. See the section on resources for training programs for clinicians. Once you know how to treat obesity, you then can use this, and other guides, to set up a program that works for your practice.
You might want to start blending in some weight management visits using insurance billing in your regular schedule. This will not take any new personnel or expenditures.
There isn't a particular model that best addresses this situation. It is more about how you approach this with your patient. Patients will generally respond well if you communicate in a caring way, acknowledge that you personally understand struggles with weight, and emphasize that you are there to help him/her/them to be as healthy as possible. Although medical professionals are not trained to talk about themselves, this approach can help patients feel supported and less judged.
It’s a non-judgmental atmosphere, and that’s really important in people who struggle with weight. We [have] a lot of patients who basically are not treated very well by their providers or their ancillary staff because of their weight. And I think a lot of clinicians have kind of a nihilistic attitude towards weight management, so we don’t have that. We’ve seen a lot of people make a lot of improvements.
Physician
It’s all-encompassing, and it works. This is not just theory. We do this on a daily basis, and it makes a difference in people’s lives.
PhD. food scientist
The reason that you do it is for the benefit of the patients. So, that needs to be the first thing. The second thing is you have to meet patients where they are. You can’t ask people to give up more than they’re ready for because all they do then is get a bad image of you, and they’re not going to be successful, and their feelings are hurt. I tell patients, don’t give up. I will never give up on a patient.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist