Development and application of a cost tool for a primary care‐based intensive health behaviour and lifestyle treatment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the development and application of a cost tool to help predict return on investment and sustainability of the Healthy Weight Clinic Family Healthy Weight Program (FHWP) through insurance reimbursement. METHODS: Case studies to apply the cost tool were conducted with 3 sites to assess the break-even point for clinic patient volume (i.e., financial neutral point: operational costs = revenue) during implementation. Financial neutral points were based on average reimbursement rates per health centre. RESULTS: The annual fixed cost of the intervention ranged from $65 252 to $79 024. The average revenue ranged from $806-$1663 per patient through medical reimbursement, and the clinics needed to care for an average of 37-81 patients annually to break even. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an adaptable cost tool that captures reimbursement of clinical provider time and a minimum stream of clinical volume can equip decision-makers in planning financially to implement and sustain a clinically based FHWP.
Source: Pediatric Obesity
DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.70028
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
OpenAlex ID: W4411462415