Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity

The Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity benefit for Medicare Part B beneficiaries is an important first step in treating obesity medically. There are positive and negative aspects to this benefit, yet it clearly offers an opportunity for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to become part of the primary care provider's (PCP's) team. The schedule of visits is intense enough to support weight loss and behavior change and, because adequate follow-up is sanctioned, it gives the RDN an opportunity to follow the treatment's effectiveness over time.

This toolkit provide s RDNs with the information, examples and tools for successfully initiating the IBT for Obesity benefit under Medicare Part Band align with primary care providers. You may also find this resource useful beyond the Medicare population, as more private payers are expanding obesity counseling benefits under the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

This updated version contains real-life examples of how early adopter RDNs implemented IBT at their sites. These RDNs have been generous with their experience, advice, and shared forms with the intention of helping you implement IBT for Obesity at your site. This toolkit also brings valuable resources that pertain to the RDN/PCP partnership together in one place to make it easier for you to establish and foster a healthy relationship with the PCP.