Learn how HEALTHeME, a start-up company based in North Carolina, is successfully deploying a web and text messaging intervention for obesity in busy primary care practices, and hear how providers are embracing this new approach for their patient populations.

1. Texting for Obesity in Primary Care

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

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

4. Obesity Defined Waist Circumference Women > 35 inches Men > 40 inches Body Mass Index BMI > 25 – Overweight BMI > 30 - Obese

5. Associated Conditions Elevated Risk for Diabetes Hypertension Cardiovascular disease Depression

6. Primary care providers on front lineof obesity treatment and prevention.

7. A primary care visit averages 12 minutes

9. 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

10. Mobile Health Landscape Coaching / Education Monitoring & Data Collection

12. Proactive coaching via text

14. What are they saying? Text messaging can motivate, educate, and provide accountability.

15. What do providers look for when prescribing HEALTHeME?

16. So, what’s the idea? Doctors select patients at the appropriate stage of change (motivated),and who are comfortable with the technology.

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

19. BMI ~ 34

20. Co-morbid conditions

22. Physicians will prescribe mobile health solution

23. Patients are willing to pay for weight loss

24. Encourage patient-physician interactions