E Patient Connections 2010 "Texting for Obesity"

Texting for Obesity in Primary Care

Who we are

HEALTHeME delivers tailored behavior modification via mobile phones and the web, connecting patients and providers in obesity management and prevention.

The annual healthcare cost of being obese is $4,879 for a woman and $2,646 for a man.USA Today, September 21th 2010

Obesity Defined

Waist Circumference• Women > 35 inches

• Men > 40 inches

Body Mass Index• BMI > 25 – Overweight• BMI > 30 - Obese

Associated Conditions

Elevated Risk for1. Diabetes2. Hypertension3. Cardiovascular disease4. Depression

Primary care providers on front lineof obesity treatment and prevention.

A primary care visit averages 12 minutes

Treatment in the Medical Home Model

Physician Directed Patient Centered Continuity of Care

Physician fills a simple prescription for intervention type

Customized plan is created for each patient

Patient progress reports are sent to physician to ensure accountability

Mobile Health Landscape

Coaching / Education Monitoring & Data Collection

HEALTHeME Solution: Engagement

•Tailored health education

•Proactive coaching via text

•Feedback in real-time

What do primary care providers think about HEALTHeME?

What are they saying?

Text messaging can motivate, educate, and provide accountability.

What do providers look for when prescribing HEALTHeME?

So, what’s the idea?

Doctors select patients at the appropriate stage of change (motivated), and who are

comfortable with the technology.

Patients are willing to pay for HEALTHeME, but these same patients might be unwilling to pay out-of –pocket for the management of other chronic conditions.

Will patients pay?

Meet the HEALTHeME patient

•Female 40-60•BMI ~ 34•Co-morbid conditions•40% minorities

Summary

•Obesity treatment is not a “Wellness Plan”•Physicians will prescribe mobile health solution•Patients are willing to pay for weight loss•Encourage patient-physician interactions