How Does Healthcare Reform Address the Topics of Weight and BMI?

How Does Healthcare Reform Address the Topics of Weight and BMI?

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

One of the mandates put forth in the 2009 Stimulus Act requires that all EMR/EHR must now track a patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) in addition to weight and height. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a ratio between a person’s weight and height and interpreted as a BMI score. There is a mathematical formula used to calculate Body Mass Index using an individual’s height and weight. To calculate BMI, divide weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiply by a conversion factor of 703. BMI can also be automatically calculated using a BMI calculator or a scale with BMI capabilities.

A BMI score can determine if an individual’s weight is within a healthy range. Below 18.5 is Underweight, 18.5-24.9 is Normal, 25-29.9 is Overweight, 30-34.9 is Obese and 35+ is Morbidly Obese. As part of the new healthcare reform and EMR requirements, practitioners will have to electronically share their patients’ BMI scores with the CDC and other health agencies, which will streamline data collection and lead to more accurate assessment of public health.

Why does the U.S. government care about Americans’ BMI scores?

Studies show that individuals with a high BMI score are at increased risk for certain health conditions such as Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke. Treating patients with these illnesses costs insurers and the public healthcare system millions of dollars each year and one of the goals of healthcare reform is to decrease healthcare costs related to these illnesses. The theory is that by measuring BMI and guiding patients to a healthy weight, providers may be able to help decrease costs by helping to prevent these illnesses.

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