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the diabetes care providers, payers for diabetes care, entities where diabetes care is delivered, and

researchers of diabetes care was used as the model for the STOP Obesity Alliance convening.

Policy changes are needed to accelerate obesity quality measure implementation. Regulators at

the federal and state levels are encouraged to identify existing authorities to change Medicare and

Medicaid coverage determinations and update antiquated interpretations of statute to allow coverage

of evidenced-based obesity therapies and treatments. The rationale is that guideline-based clinical care

of obesity is not fully recognized in coverage policies. Further, regulators and career staff at CMS are

encouraged to engage with stakeholders in the obesity quality measure development and

implementation process. These actions can remove some of the existing barriers impeding access to

obesity care, coverage, and payment.

Conclusion

Over two decades have passed since the Diabetes Quality Improvement Project. That project

improved diabetes care, making it a common part of healthcare delivery. The U.S. is at a juncture where

most of our population is living with obesity or overweight. There is a window of opportunity to unite

around a strategy to develop obesity quality measures and incorporate them into payment programs.

The recommendations and solutions identified at the STOP Obesity Alliance roundtable will lead to a

roadmap to develop and implement obesity quality measure efforts over the next several years. Our

goal is to develop and implement a standardized set of quality measures for obesity that incentivizes

clinical care, payment, and improves health outcomes for people living with obesity.

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