Challenges and solutions to sustaining paediatric weight management programs in the United States

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Paediatric weight management (PWM) programs in the US struggle with sustainable multidisciplinary care delivery.
• Existing payment models present significant challenges to long-term program viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and report on the strategies employed by PWM programs to ensure the sustainability of their services.
• To understand the operational approaches used to overcome challenges in program delivery.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 39 PWM programs across the United States.
• The survey aimed to identify specific challenges and practical solutions for program sustainability.

Main Results:

• Key strategies include optimizing reimbursement through accurate diagnostic codes, billing for diverse services (including non-medical personnel), and utilizing hospital outpatient billing.
• Programs expanded capacity and clinical breadth via telemedicine, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and schedule management.
• Securing institutional and extramural funding is crucial for sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Despite reimbursement challenges, PWM programs are implementing practical operational strategies to sustain evidence-based, multidisciplinary care.
• The rapid adoption of telemedicine during the pandemic has positively impacted service delivery and sustainability.