Board of Director Champions: David Bernhardt & Jeff Britton
What's New:
NEW MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT THAT ADDRESS OBESITY :(posted April 26, 2010)
Many of you probably received the same notice I did today, explaining that the state is going to increase Medicaid reimbursement by $10 if you report BMI percentiles to the state. There are different codes for <5th, 5th to 84th, 85-94th, and 95th+ percentiles.
I have attached a chart that I use daily to determine BMI percentiles, since my EMR does not graph them for me. I find the chart easier than graphing. In light of the new coding requirements for MA I have added the 5th percentile column.
I hope some of you find this useful.
Jeff Britton, MD, FAAP
Aurora Sheboygan Clinic
NEW FEDERAL LESISLATIVE UPDATE: (posted Mar 3, 2010)
On February 9, 2010, AAP President Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP, joined First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama at the launch of her national “Let’s Move!” campaign to reduce childhood obesity rates in the United States. The AAP is proud to partner with the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in this new initiative, and commends First Lady Michelle Obama for drawing national attention to this staggering health burden on our nation’s youth.
Specifically, as part of this new initiative, the AAP pledges to engage in a range of efforts:
The Academy will call on all pediatricians to calculatebody mass index (BMI) for every child over the age of two at every well-child visit, in accordance with AAP Bright Futures recommendations. BMI can be used as a simple and important tool for pediatricians to start conversations with families about their children’s health and well-being.
The AAP will encourage its members to make available “prescriptions” for healthy, active living (good nutrition and physical activity) at every well-child visit. Using these “prescriptions,” pediatricians can engage in conversations with children and parents about the impact of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity on overall health.
The AAP will also continue promoting additional ongoing interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity, such as encouraging mothers to breastfeed, childcare providers and schools to serve healthy foods, children to get plenty of sleep, and families to follow the 5-2-1-0 guidelines for healthy, active living: eating five fruits or vegetables a day, watching two hours or less of screen time per day, committing to one hour of physical activity a day and limiting/avoiding sugar-sweetened drinks.
The AAP’s new Web page dedicated to this childhood obesity initiative and partnership with the White House outlines the Academy’s commitments to ending the childhood obesity epidemic and offers resources for families and pediatricians, including downloadable copies of the “prescriptions” to promote healthy, active living.
Additional Resources on the AAP and Childhood Obesity Prevention:
Visit the AAP’s new obesity Web page to learn more about our partnership with the White House in working to end the childhood obesity epidemic, and for other resources on how to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States.
Visit the AAP Department of Federal Affairs Facebook page for video coverage, photos and additional information on the “Let’s Move!” obesity initiative launch event with First Lady Michelle Obama and AAP President Dr. Palfrey.
Visit the AAP News Room to read Dr. Palfrey’s remarks from the launch event and the AAP’s press release on the new initiative.
Read the USA Today cover story on First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, which also quotes Dr. Palfrey.
Read the “DOFA Download” blog on the Young Physicians Network for more information on the AAP’s role in childhood obesity prevention and to learn more about federal affairs events and activities.
