title: Insurer and employer views on pediatric obesity treatment: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effectiveness of group-based comprehensive, multidisciplinary (stage 3) pediatric weight management programs is backed by a growing body of literature, yet insurance coverage of these programs is scarce to nonexistent, limiting their reach and long-term survival. The objective of this study was to better understand the perspectives of insurers and large employers on the issue of group-based treatment coverage.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors performed a qualitative study utilizing structured interviews with these stakeholders, following accepted techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six major themes emerged: cost, program effectiveness, corporate social responsibility, secondary parental (employee) benefits, coverage options and new benefit determination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future efforts to secure payment for group-based pediatric weight management programs should address these key themes.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics/University of MO-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. shampl@cmh.edu
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Hampl
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Sampilo
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dean
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D007343:Insurance Carriers / Q000191:economics*; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000191:economics; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research