Reimbursement Effects on Enrollment in Obesity Treatment

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to simulate what would occur if insurance reimbursement became available for obesity treatment but required that the individual meet defined performance milestones.

Detailed Description
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This is a prospective study to determine whether a reimbursement incentive (the prospect of reimbursement of half of the out-of-pocket fee for participation in the UAB EatRight Weight Management Program, when it is contingent upon consistent Program participation and loss of 6% of initial body weight) is associated with (1) a higher rate of Program enrollment and (2) greater percent weight loss, greater reductions in medication dosages and costs, and fewer visits to health care providers after 12 weeks and 9 months.

Official Title
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A Prospective Study to Determine the Effects of a Reimbursement Incentive on Enrollment and Outcomes in a Community Weight Control Program.

Conditions
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Obesity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Simulated insurance reimbursement


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Adults with obesity (BMI at least 30 kg/m2) Commitment of the full EatRight Weight Management Program fee Exclusion Criteria: None

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: 1<br> | |
| Experimental: 2<br>EatRight Program inquirers with BMI's of 30 kg/m2 or greater were told that they would have the possibility of being reimbursed 50% ($150) of their initial fee ($300) if certain conditions were met. | Behavioral: Simulated insurance reimbursement<br>* Participants were told they would have the possibility of being reimbursed 50% ($150) of their initial fee ($300) if they: 1) paid the fee in advance or committed 3 monthly payments in advance, 2) attended 10 of 12 class sessions, and 3) lost at least 6% of their current body weight during the program.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Proportion of inquirers who enroll in obesity treatment |  | 16 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Class attendance |  | 12 weeks | 
| Percent weight loss |  | 12 weeks and 9 months | 
| Changes in medication dosages and costs |  | 12 weeks and 9 months | 
| Visits to health care providers |  | 12 weeks and 9 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Obesity treatment, Insurance reimbursement, Health care utilization, Health care costs