Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Obesity Management Web Site for Members




Home Health Risk Assessment Weight Loss Guide Patient Education Tools For Your Health Program EMMI Bariatric Surgery Decision Support Tool Medical Policy on Surgery Blue Distinction Centers Bariatric Surgery FAQs		People often think of weight as a measure of obesity, but the medical profession actually relies on a measure called BMI or Body Mass Index. BMI takes both your weight and height into account. A BMI of 19 to 25 is considered in the normal range, BMI of 26 to 29 is “overweight” and BMI of 30 to 39 is considered “obese”. Advanced obesity or morbid obesity as it is called by the medical profession, begins with a BMI of 40. This is about 100 pounds above normal weight. BMIs down to 35 can be considered “morbid obesity” if there are complications such as diabetes or sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep). In this Web site, you will find the following: - Taking the HRA can help identify your health risks. - Contains easy to understand information and visual tools. - More than with most other medical conditions, the patient must take the lead role in managing the problem of obesity. While the physician's support can help tremendously, only the patient can make the daily lifestyle choices critical to success with this condition. - Learn more about the “Get Fit” Exercise Plan and “Eat Right” Nutrition Plan. - Is Bariatric surgery the right answer for you? Get useful information to help you make this important decision in this half-hour interactive web tool. - An excerpt from our Medical Policy outlining criteria which must be met to obtain approval for bariatric surgery. - Hospitals that distinguish themselves on a broad range of criteria, focusing on experience and surgical outcomes.

These features are not available to all members. Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Member Services for more information. You can access obesity information and the Health Risk Assessment via Blue Access® for Members.

These services do not apply to HMO members. As with other medical conditions, HMO members are encouraged to coordinate their care through their Primary Care Provider.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,
an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.