• The target trendline in the graph above represents an accepted national benchmark percentile for Medicaid programs across the country. In 2020 (for measurement year 2019) we modified the value shown to demonstrate a target based on our actual performance.  For this measure, the target is the 50^th national percentile.
• The annual reported rate captures activity during the previous calendar year.  
• This is a Healthcare Effectiveness & Data Information Set (HEDIS) hybrid measure

This measure assesses the percentage of members 3–17 years of age who had an outpatient visit with a primary care practitioner/OB-GYN and who had:

• evidence of BMI percentile documentation
• counseling for nutrition during the measurement year
• counseling for physical activity during the measurement year

One of the most important developments in pediatrics in the past two decades has been the emergence of a new chronic disease: obesity in childhood and adolescence. The rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity among children is one of the most challenging dilemmas currently facing pediatricians. In addition to the growing prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents, overweight children at risk of becoming obese are also of great concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. For example, one study found that approximately 80 percent of children who were overweight at 10–15 years of age were obese adults at age 25. Another study found that 25 percent of obese adults were overweight as children; it also found that if overweight begins before 8 years of age, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

BMI is a useful screening tool for assessing and tracking the degree of obesity among adolescents. Screening for overweight or obesity begins in the provider’s office with the calculation of BMI. Providers can estimate a child’s BMI percentile for age and gender by plotting the calculated value of BMI on growth curves published and distributed by the CDC.  Medical evaluations should include investigation into possible endogenous causes of obesity that may be amenable to treatment, and identification of any obesity-related health complications.

Last updated:  August 2021