betterMD.net Weight Management Solutions
Weight management program incorporated in cardiac rehab unit at Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, Detroit, Michigan.
The Henry Ford Hospital started working with betterMD.net in 2002 to determine how best to incorporate a program targeting obesity into their existing cardiac rehab unit. Key goals included: safe, effective, and maintainable weight loss; better utilization of existing staff and facilities; low cost of entry; and long-term fiscal viability. Additionally, the weight management solution would need to be implemented across multiple locations in the greater Detroit area.
“When we assessed our patients we found the average BMI was about 35. We also realized that we could do little in the traditional cardiac rehab setting to impact a patient’s body weight.” – Jonathan K. Ehrman, Ph.D., Director, Weight Management Program.
High-protein, meal replacement food plans, combined with a personalized program of intentional exercise and behavioral counseling served as the foundation for the program. Furthermore, the solution required a team approach, utilizing cardiac rehab staff (exercise physiologists), registered dietitians, and the approval and support of the patients’ primary care physicians. betterMD.net provided secure, administrative tools that allow staff to record and share information, as well as track patient progress across several treatment facilities.
Over the last several years, the Henry Ford cardiac rehab unit has treated thousands of obese patients, helping them not only lose medically-significant amounts of weight, but also greatly improving their cardiac risk profile. Moreover, the program continues to grow and generate revenues, which contributes to the profitability of the cardiac rehab unit.
“We worked hand-in-hand with betterMD to develop the best weight management program in our region. We are not only successfully treating obesity in thousands of patients each year, but also our program is a thriving, profitable part of our cardiac rehab unit. It’s a perfect fit for our cardiac rehab staff as it allows them to use their behavior counseling and exercise skills with the overweight/obese population.” – Dr. J. Ehrman
