An excerpt from Section 530.00 Public Health General Issues
530.40 Obesity
The Minnesota Medical Association recognizes obesity as a major endemic health problem, by endorsing the following existing AMA policy on obesity:
H-150.953 Obesity as a Major Public Health Program
Our AMA will:
(1) urge physicians as well as managed care organizations and other third-party payors to recognize obesity as a complex disorder involving appetite regulation and energy metabolism that is associated with a variety of comorbid conditions;
(2) work with appropriate federal agencies, medical specialty societies, and public health organizations to educate physicians about the prevention and management of overweight and obesity in children and adults, including education in basic principles and practices of physical activity and nutrition counseling; such training should be included in undergraduate and graduate medical education and through accredited continuing medical education programs;
(3) urge federal support of research to determine:
(a) the causes and mechanisms of overweight and obesity, including biological, social, and epidemiological influences on weight gain, weight loss, and weight maintenance;
(b) the long-term safety and efficacy of voluntary weight maintenance and weight loss practices and therapies, including surgery;
(c) effective interventions to prevent obesity in children and adults; and
(d) the effectiveness of weight loss counseling by physicians;
(4) encourage national efforts to educate the public about the health risks of being overweight and obese and provide information about how to achieve and maintain a preferred healthy weight;
(5) urge physicians to assess their patients for overweight and obesity during routine medical examinations and discuss with at-risk patients the health consequences of further weight gain; if treatment is indicated, physicians should encourage and facilitate weight maintenance or reduction efforts in their patients or refer them to a physician with special interest and expertise in the clinical management of obesity;
(6) urge all physicians and patients to maintain a desired weight and prevent inappropriate weight gain;
(7) encourage physicians to become knowledgeable of community resources and referral services that can assist with the management of overweight and obese patients; and
(8) urge the appropriate federal agencies to work with organized medicine and the health insurance industry to develop coding and payment mechanisms for the evaluation and management of obesity. (CSA Rep. 6, A-99)
H-440.902 Obesity as a Major Health Concern
The AMA: (1) recognizes obesity in children and adults as a major public health problem; (2) will study the medical, psychological and socioeconomic issues associated with obesity, including reimbursement for evaluation and management of obese patients; and (3) will work with other professional medical organizations, and other public and private organizations to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding education, prevention, and treatment of obesity. (Res. 423, A-98)
Additionally, the MMA shall develop a statewide education campaign, in conjunction with interested parties, to create awareness of the modifiable causes of obesity, obesity complications, and effective, sustained obesity treatment.
(HD-R307-2000)
An excerpt from Section 530.00 Public Health & Safety (See also, Health Education, Media)
530.61 Epidemic Of Obesity
The Minnesota Medical Association supports the Diabetes Care Program of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in its efforts to prevent diabetes and obesity, including disparities in diabetes that affect minority groups, the MMA endorse the goals of the Minority Affairs Consortium of the American Medical Association to address discrepancies in obesity, dysmetabolic syndrome, and diabetes in minority populations.
(HD-SR311-2003)
An excerpt from Section 630.00 Third Party Payers (See also, Ethics)
630.3994 Health Plan Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity
The Minnesota Medical Association will continue its ongoing dialogue with the Minnesota Council of Health Plans to strongly encourage full coverage for evidence-based obesity care in the State of Minnesota, including ancillary services (such as dietitians, exercise physiologists, and psychologists) and medication coverage under appropriate physician supervision.
(HD-R313-2003)
An excerpt from Section 530.00 Public Health & Safety (See also, Health Education, Media)
530.62 Health Plan Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity
The Minnesota Medical Association will continue its ongoing dialogue with the Minnesota Council of Health Plans to strongly encourage full coverage for evidence-based obesity care in the State of Minnesota, including ancillary services (such as dietitians, exercise physiologists, and psychologists) and medication coverage under appropriate physician supervision.
(HD-R313-2003)
An excerpt from Section 630.00 Third Party Payers (See also, Ethics)
630.39103 Reimbursement for Treatment of Obesity
The MMA will convene a joint committee with Minnesota payers to explore the barriers to adequate reimbursement for the treatment of obesity.
(HD-R303-2001)
An excerpt from Section 530.00 Public Health & Safety (See also, Health Education, Media)
530.52 Reimbursement for Treatment of Obesity
The MMA will convene a joint committee with Minnesota payers to explore the barriers to adequate reimbursement for the treatment of obesity.
(HD-R303-2001)