In the recent decision memorandum by CMS regarding Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity (CAG-00423N) the agency determined that potentially lifesaving preventive services for Obesity could only be furnished by primary care providers in the primary care setting. As a result, CMS has eliminated the most qualified providers, notably Registered Dietitians (RDs), along with clinical psychologists and other specialists who have been able to produce the best results for patients. The decision prevents this group from directly billing for services and from providing services outside of primary care, and limits access for older patients to qualified professionals that would help manage chronic disease.
For this reason, we would like to join the effort of dietitians, health professionals, and all those interested in seeing this decision reversed. Please consider signing ADA’s petition to President Obama to urge CMS to include RDs in obesity treatment. We need 25,000 signatures for the White House to review.
We encourage you to post it to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as, sharing with clients and colleagues. With everyone’s help, we’re confident we can easily surpass the minimum number of signatures needed to address this issue.
Sincerely,
Gina Ulery, MS, RD, LD/N
Continuing Education Coordinator
Professional Development Resources
www.pdresources.org