Summary of August Blog

Most responses from question one, opted for offering additional programs that would help with weight management. The additional programs would be necessary for continuous support in reinforcement, encouragement, reminders, and accountability. Everyone was aware that one program will not be the right fit for everyone. Whether it was group or individual counseling session, they would investigate different programs to find the perfect fit for their client. For the most part, everyone was in agreement with emphasizing behavioral changes before recommending surgery. People may view surgery as a quick fix and not realize the underlining issues that need to be dealt with such as body image, relationship with food, and other unhealthy habits.

The consensus from question two postings thought the increase in medical costs was largely part of the increase in scheduled and emergency hospital visits that were the result of obesity and/or overweight complications (comorbidities). Most stated, there was not a significant statistical difference in pharmaceutical costs due to preexisting drug regiment. There is the possibility that the prescription drugs would need a longer trial study before researchers would see any changes. It is interesting to note, those who prolong medical care wait until it is an emergency so seek medical attention. An emergency room visit is significantly more expensive than a scheduled physician visit. This might also account for the difference in medical and pharmaceutical costs.

The postings for question three covered most areas of why health insurance is not optimally utilized. Those reasons were seen as a lack of appropriate access to health care needs, lack of awareness of services, lack of insurance coverage, denial of disease, stigma of hospital services, financial strain, and difficulty in insuring RD services unless physician’s referral. It was also noted that it might take a patient more time and effort to find a method of coverage that the patient is not willing to do. The use of health insurance leads to the discussion of how to utilize RD services. People are unsure of medical programs because of conflicting research and the many different “quick fix” programs offered to the public. Sometimes the quick fix is to take medication over seeking behavioral change as a treatment. What is the next step to bridge the gap between people that need help and having necessary services covered by insurance?

Perhaps educating ourselves to be aware of services covered by insurance and understand the importance of outcome based research. This is one tool that can be used to validate the RD profession and the importance of being covered by insurance. Another tool that would be beneficial is marketing us, promoting services to potential candidates.

Overall, as the obesity rates increase, so does the cost of health care. It is important now more than ever to be proactive and take preventive measures to help America. In this society, we tend to wait until something drastic happens before we react. There is no simple solution to decrease the health care costs. As the nutrition experts we have to keep trying to verify that taking preventive measures is cost effective.