A message from Dr. Martha Walsh, medical director, Clinical Partnerships and Engagement
New Pediatric Weight Management Initiative designed to decrease childhood obesity in Michigan

During the pandemic, the national rate of obesity among children ages 2-19 increased from 19.3% in 2019 to 22.4% in 2020. This surge, combined with an already high rate of childhood obesity, was a significant impetus for launching Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Pediatric Weight Management Incentive for pediatricians who participate in our Provider-Delivered Care Management program.

The obesity rate for children ages 10-17 in Michigan was 15.77% in 2019, and we were ranked 23rd in the nation — not a good spot to be in. It was important for us to do better.

In the U.S., childhood obesity is estimated to cost $14 billion annually in direct health care expenses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines childhood obesity as a BMI greater than 95th percentile for age.

To increase our focus on addressing pediatric obesity, Blue Cross launched a new Provider-Delivered Care Management Outcomes Incentive for Pediatric Weight Management. The goal of this incentive is to reward pediatric PDCM practices that are working to decrease pediatric obesity.

Pediatric practices can achieve the PDCM outcomes incentive by either reaching a specified performance threshold or an improvement threshold based on the BMI of their overall attributed pediatric population.

The Michigan Institute for Care Management and Transformation is currently developing educational materials for PDCM care managers on how best to work with patients and families on the issue of pediatric obesity. These educational opportunities are scheduled to launch later this year.

For pediatric practices that meet either the performance or the improvement threshold for measurement year 2022, the PDCM outcomes incentive will be paid starting Sept. 1, 2023.

Want to join PGIP?

If you’re not already a member of our Physician Group Incentive Program, I encourage you to visit the Value Partnerships section of bcbsm.com/providers to learn more.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.